Bedlam Story Lines

Bedlam games in Stillwater have been close the past decade. The last one at Boone Pickens Stadium was perhaps the best in the 100-game series.

OU escaped, 38-35, when Jason Ricks missed a 49-yard field-goal attempt that would have tied it in the final seconds.

Stillwater is developing a reputation for being a difficult place to win.

During the past five years, including this season, OSU is 20-5 at home in seasons it has a bowl-eligible team.

Other than the first quarter against Nebraska and a few series against Texas A&M, the Cowboys have used the home field to their advantage.

The Sooners, though, have won at Missouri and Texas A&M and were a botched onside kick call away from winning at Oregon.

Stillwater always seems to bring out the best in the Cowboys.

"It's an outrageous environment," OSU linebacker Jeremy Nethon said. "It's so different when we're at home."

Said Sooners offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson: "I know my two trips up there, it's been a pretty unique, special place. Their fans are passionate for their team and the rivalry.

"I think their team feeds off of that. It's very cramped quarters, where their fans are right on top of you. Sometimes at larger arenas, the fans away from you, you might hear them, but you don't get the ‘personal' interaction.

"I think it's a tough place to play. It's a great place to play. It's a huge challenge."

The marquee matchup of this Bedlam edition pits OSU offensive coordinator Larry Fedora's offense, ranked seventh nationally in scoring (36.6), against OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables' defense, ranked 10th in the country.

OSU is balanced.

A week ago, the Cowboys were one of only two teams in the nation to average 200 yards passing and rushing.

With quarterback Bobby Reid, wide receivers Adarius Bowman and D'Juan Woods and running backs Dantrell Savage and Keith Toston and tight end Brandon Pettigrew, Fedora feels he can counter any defensive scheme.

The Cowboys have scored 35 and 38 points in the past two Bedlam meetings in Stillwater.

OSU averages 48 points a game at home this season.

Another high-scoring game could be in order, though the Sooner defense lately.

In conference games, OU ranks first in scoring defense, pass defense and total defense and second in rushing defense.

The Cowboys' success seems much more tied to Reid's play.

In Reid's worst two games — losses at Texas and at Texas Tech — Reid combined to go 22-of-59 passing with three interceptions and one touchdown. That won't get it done today.

Thompson has played consistently well, even taking charge to direct a few Sooner wins.

And he could be called on to do that against the Cowboys.

But OU's offensive success doesn't revolve around Thompson. The Sooners' offensive line is emerging as a force, key to a rushing game that has grinded out several victories down the stretch.

Thompson's best asset may be his calming and motivating influence. He'll assert himself as needed — if needed.

OU running back Allen Patrick hasn't played in three weeks after spraining an ankle late against Texas A&M. He should go today, but his effectiveness is unknown.

Sooner free safety Darien Williams — a big hitter and perhaps the most underappreciated member of the secondary — sprained a knee last week against Baylor.

While he was reportedly cleared to return, he didn't and was slowed in practice early in the week.

If Williams can't go or is limited, senior Jason Carter moves into the lineup.

The Cowboys are hoping to get a boost with the return of defensive end Victor DeGrate, who should be a go but not at 100 percent.

There's a major concern with the health of cornerback Perrish Cox. The freshman suffered a hip flexor last week against Texas Tech and was still on crutches midway through the week.

Cox is key on passing downs but may be most missed in the return game. Cox leads the Big 12 in punt returns and is third in kickoff returns, although Grant Jones leads the nation in the latter.

If Cox is out, Tommy Devereaux will handle punts — a major dropoff. It's uncertain who would join Jones deep on kickoffs, but running back Dantrell Savage excelled at returning kicks in junior college.

By John Helsley and Mike Baldwin

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