With the biggest weekend of college football games so far kicking off on Saturday, we asked our panel of experts to get down to the nitty-gritty. How can each team win? Here's what they had to say about.
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1. What's the biggest key to victory in the OU-Texas game?
Columnist Berry Tramel: Turnovers. Don't commit turnovers. If OU doesn't turn the ball over, Texas will be hard-pressed to win. If OU turns it over, UT's chances soar.
Columnist Jenni Carlson: The biggest key is the least sexy one — offensive line play. Getting pressure on both of these quarterbacks is vital to disrupting the offenses. If either Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy has time to pick apart a secondary, they'll do it. The team with the offensive line that keeps its quarterback cleanest will win the game.
OU beat writer Jake Trotter: Turnovers. The team with the least amount of turnovers has won this game 9 of the last 10 years. So far, OU has been great in that category, having yet to lose a fumble.
Columnist John Rohde: Leading rushers. If DeMarco Murray runs for 100 yards, there will be no stopping the Oklahoma offense, which is lethal even when he doesn't rush for 100 yards. If Colt McCoy is the Longhorns' leading rusher, they might lose by three touchdowns. McCoy needs run support.
OSU beat writer Scott Wright: Running the ball. Both teams are strong up front on defense, so the team that can establish the run will ease things for their quarterback.
OU beat writer John Helsley: Play sharp. The Sooners are the better team. They're more talented. Limit turnovers and penalties and just do what they do - which is feature Sammy B and the Pass Catchers - and they win in a walk.
2. What's the biggest key to victory in the OSU-Missouri game?
Wright: Defensive stops. Both of these offenses have the ability to score on every possession. The defense that comes away with more stops will win the game.
Tramel: OSU's offense has to play well to give the Cowboys a chance to win. Actually, that's not correct. OSU's offense has to play lights out to give the Cowboys a chance to win. I see no way OSU's defense will slow Mizzou. The Tigers will score at least 42. Which means OSU has to win this game 45-42, 49-45, something like that.
Helsley: Score. And keep scoring. Let's not kid ourselves, the OSU defense remains a liability, unless it can produce a few turnovers, which would help tremendously here. But the Mizzou D ain't all that, either. Illinois rolled up big yards and points against the Tigers, OSU can, too.
Trotter: Defense. The team that plays the better defense will win this game. 50 points might be needed to win, so we're not talking about a lot of defense. But the team that can cause a turnover or two, or force a three-and-out or two, will be in great shape, because we know what these offenses can do.
Carlson: The biggest key is the least obvious one — running games. In particular, OSU's running game. Sure, all the talk this week has revolved around these high-powered, high-flying offenses. But if the Cowboys want to score the upset, they have to run the ball effectively. Doing that will shorten the game, also giving the OSU defense a rest and keeping the Missouri offense off the field.
Rohde: Defense. Neither team has a defense capable of stopping the opposing offense, so the defense that stinks less, wins. Special teams also could have a big swing vote, with Dez Bryant and Jeremy Maclin playing "Can you top this?"
3. Complete this sentence and explain. The best quarterback playing in these two games is ...
Tramel: Chase Daniel is the best quarterback playing in these two games. He can run and throw, and the way he directs Missouri's offense is amazing. Have you seen how impressive Bradford has been these last five games, getting OU's no-huddle offense in the right play and on the proper timing? Daniel's been doing that for three years. All four QBs are great. All but Colt McCoy have a chance to be the best quarterback in school history, and Colt's out only because of Bobby Layne and Vince Young. But Daniel, the only senior, is the best.
Rohde: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford. Each quarterback is terrific, but Bradford beats them all in the one category that often matters most in big games -- composure. The kid doesn't get rattled.
Carlson: Grrrr, this is a tough one. I'm giving the nod to Sam Bradford, but for now, I'm still giving the nod on my Heisman ballot to Chase Daniel. Let me explain. I look at the Heisman as the award for a great player who is also most valuable to his team. On quarterbacking alone, I think Bradford is better than Daniel, hence my answer for this question. In terms of being important to his team, I think Daniel is more important for Missouri's success than Bradford is for Oklahoma, hence my ballot for Heisman.
Trotter: Chase Daniel. But, that could change by Saturday night. All four QBs in this game can make claims to All-Big 12 QB with strong performances. OSU's Zac Robinson, however, has the most to gain as he is often unfairly overlooked in this league, which is loaded at the position.
Wright: Chase Daniel. Brad Smith was supposed to be the guy who got Missouri to these heights, but he never did. And Daniel was supposed to be too short to do it, but he did. Daniel saved Gary Pinkel's job. And this season, he's running this fast-break offense without a strong run game to help him.
Helsley: Chase Daniel. He's got the stats. He's got the history. He's got the experience. He's proven nearly unstoppable, with not a single three-and-out series this season. All that said, it's close.
4. Complete this sentence and explain. The best remaining undefeated college football team is ...
Rohde: Oklahoma. The Sooners have the best quarterback and receivers, a solid defense, a terrific coaching staff, depth, size, speed and focus. No other unbeaten team stacks up across the board in those same areas.
Helsley: Oklahoma. The Sooners have the best balance of offense and defense. There should be some concern about their pedestrian running game -- what's up with DeMarco Murray? -- and they've scored almost at will and shut down foes as well.
Tramel: The best unbeaten still left is Alabama. I try to judge teams on what they've done, not on what I think they will do. Bama is indisputably the best team so far. Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky. The Crimson Tide has played three quality teams; it beat one at home, one on the road and one on a neutral field. I don't know what else you could ask.
Trotter: OU. The Sooners have the fewest flaws of the undefeated squads. The offensive skill is great, the defensive back seven is up-and-coming and the offensive and defensive lines are among the best in the nation.
Wright: Alabama. Offense wins awards, but defense wins championships. Bama's defense is as good as anyone around.
Carlson: It might just be Alabama. The reason I say that, though, is that I really don't think Oklahoma has been tested yet. Alabama has won at Georgia, so we have a pretty good gauge there of how good the Crimson Tide is. If Oklahoma goes and beat Texas this weekend, that would be a telling victory and I'd probably change my answer to the Sooners.
5. If you had to pick one player from one of the state schools - OU, OSU and Tulsa - to start a football team, who would you pick.
Tramel: I'd pick Gerald McCoy, because great defensive tackles are harder to find than great quarterbacks. G.K. is playing great. He's the reason OU's defense has a chance to shut down anyone it plays. Zac Robinson and Sammy B. and Tulsa's David Johnson have been great at QB. But McCoy is the most rare prize in the state.
Trotter: Sam Bradford. Poised on the field, great leader off it. Plus, almost every ball he throws seems to be on the money.
Wright: Zac Robinson. A true dual-threat quarterback puts maximum pressure on the defense and opens up multiple avenues for your offense. Robinson has become a better passer and he's a great leader.
Carlson: Bradford. Quarterback is the most important position on any football team. Heck, it's the most important position in sports. And, in my opinion, the OU quarterback is the best of the three in-state signal callers.
Rohde: Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant. He can beat you so many ways. Any quarterback and running back would love to have him as a teammate. You can't go wrong with any of the the three in-state quarterbacks, but Bryant beats all receivers and all returners.
Helsley: Dez Bryant. If I've got the ball, he can score. If you're kicking, he can score. He's a great combination of size and speed and he's just figuring out how good he can be.
6. With the renovations, will the OU-Texas game ever leave the Cotton Bowl?
Tramel: OU-Texas won't leave in the next 15-20 years. I can't answer after that. But in the foreseeable future, no. It's Dallas all the way.
Trotter: I don't think so. Cotton Bowl officials have basically said, whatever it takes to keep the game there, they will get it done. They've already stood by their word with a $57 million renovation.
Wright: No, but it's more about money than renovations, and now the schools are getting a bigger check. And tradition carries a lot of weight with important people on both sides.
Carlson: Oh, I'm sure it could leave, but the renovations go a long way toward keeping it there long-term. There's something about having it on the fairgrounds, too, that will never be able to be replicated anywhere else. I hope it stays, but as with everything these days, money drives everything. If there's more money elsewhere, I wouldn't be surprised if the game relocated.
Helsley: Thankfully, no. Never say never, not with Jerry Jones potentially involved, but the City of Dallas realizes that the OU-Texas game is the best thing it has going and is willing to take care of the two schools to keep them coming back. I haven't seen the renovations, but have heard nothing but positive things. Keep everyone happy, which is what they're doing, and there's no reason to leave.
Rohde: Yes, the game will leave the Cotton Bowl. I'm just not sure how many of us will still be alive.
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Fun to come back and read the comments now. :)
So much wrongness.
francine, when you wake up from your fog saturday and see the score of osu/ mizzou you will know what i and this rag of a paper that you read meant all along that osu is not in the same class as mizzou. i'll say it again mizzou by 35.
Much ado is made about about OSU's defense giving up yards, but most of these yards were given up after OSU had the game in hand, and used soft coverage to prevent big plays from getting the opposing teams back in the game. Also, these yards were gave up to teams running spread offenses with Houston averaging 418 yard per game. OSU's defense isn't dominant, but i can see Mizzou having their fist "three and out" this game. This is a very winnable game for OSU, especially when Dez Bryant is UNSTOPPABLE, and Brandon Pettigrew the best tight end in the Big 12 will probably play.
The biggest key to this matchup is nerves in reality. The Sooners have to practice what they've been preaching, which is "Take it like any other game", and they will win, period. "Slinging", "Sudden", "Super" Sam, needs to be "Smooth", "Steady", "Strongly Protected" Sam, which he has been in a remarkably consistent way to this point (give or take a Sack or two, from the protection standpoint). If OU doesn't get rattled, Texas has no way to stop them. Texas had 300 passing yards put on them by a doormat, how can they stop all the receiving weapons OU has on the field in a no-huddle, being tossed to by a Heisman candidate.
If you don't like "this rag of a paper" don't read it. The O'Colly is on line, The Tulsa World is on line, ESPN is on line, there are dozens of ways to get the stories you need without checking here. Or you could just grow some thicker skin. I am an OSU student and a DIE HARD fan and I am really sick of the whining from my fellow Cowboys fans, of course OU gets more pub, they have more fans... ergo they sell more papers to OU fans... I have actually noticed a nice increase in pub for O-State here and am pleased with it. And of course we are not favored in the game this Saturday. Mizzou is number 2 in the country and we are number 17! Not to mention, we haven't been what you'd call a traditional road powerhouse! I am still hoping to silence Chase Daniel's big mouth this weekend. And I hope OU kicks the snot out of UT, too.
Francine, Garland, you're right it is a big game, not a test. But OSU's defense will be tested. Mizzu has scored at will against everyone they have played. If OSU can stop them, it could be a long day for the Tigers. But if they can't stop them, I don't see OSU outscoring them, in fact, I could see OSU getting hammered. Francine, I am not being anti-OSU..... I see OU have a hard time beating Texas on both sides of the ball. OU has to play more than 1 quarter in this one. OU is going to have to play all 4 quarters to win. If they don't, they will lose. The Shorthorns have been laying in the grass for this game, the snakes that they are........
Well said Matt from Moore. I don't have much to say, but good look to both O-State and OU. It would be nice for both to post big wins this weekend. We'll know a lot about both teams come late Saturday night. So, GO State of Oklahoma, as a whole!
Francine, I have seen a ton of love for OSU on here all year long. The fact is that OSU is not expected to win this game. Sure they CAN win, but they arent expected to by anyone nationally. So to come down on the paper is unfair, you would have to come down on Vegas (has OSU as a 2 TD dog compared to most of the local media predicting a 3-7 point loss). OU, on the other hand is the #1 ranked favorite on a neutral site. People expect OU to win. Saying that OSU will have to play lights out to beat Mizzou is not negative towards OSU, it is acknowledging how good Mizzou is. If you are looking for people to tell you that OSU is going to line up and blow Missouri out, go to a bar in Stillwater, because you arent going to find those people anywhere in the media, including this rag of paper. They have the same number of beat writers for OSU as OU. There are 3 OSU articles today compared to 4 for OU, even though it is the week of OU's biggest rivalry. Id say thats equal time.
I thought they only let real REPORTERS vote for the Heisman? Who let Jenni vote!!! She's one of those girls you have to explain everything they do on the field and what's going on. Letting Jenni vote for the Heisman is worst than a third term with George W!
Mark from Amarillo, I agree this is a big game for OSU, but the word "test" comes from you and this rag of a paper...not OSU fans and OSU did exactly what they were supposed to do with 1-3, 2-3, teams and the A&M team of old as you say. Not to mention we put up as many points against those types of opponents just like MU. You and this rag of a paper are just the same - negative when it come to OSU and not sticking to the facts...this will be a test for MU's defense as well. GO POKES!
Let's root for both in-state schools to win. That way, when OU beats OSU, it will look even better. The Sooners won't get to play the Tigers in the regular season anyway.
NN: Sam Bradford doesn't get rattled??? Are you serious? He looked plenty rattled last year....WHEN HE WAS A FRESHMAN....
Did you forget that part? Sam Bradford played very well for a freshman quarterback...he was only in high school the year before, he'd never played with the big boys, but you probably forgot that part didn't you? I have never seen a starting freshman play all season without getting 'rattled'.
NN-you just made some pretty ridiculous statements. Bradford was a freshman last year. Live in today's world--that was last year and I think the poise they're talking about is 08. He looked pretty good on the road at WA. And as far as having a great offensive line, any good QB would struggle without a decent line. O-Lines ALWAYS make a QB look good. Stop being stupid...
Jim said: Stop calling Sam Bradford "Sammy B" in hopes it will catch on. It's just dumb.
LMFAO - I'm not laughing at you; it is just really funny how you said it. I agree with you totally. I wonder how "Sammy B" feels about it. It sounds like a horrible white gangsta rap name. hehehe It is just funny that you said exactly what I was just thinking.
Zach, I looked back at the posts and cannot find examples of the normal trash talk. There are usually several regular UO fans who live to do nothing other than post trash on OSU articles with the intent to incite. You haven't seen anything yet. It has been kind of nice to read these today and not see those guys posting. As far as OSU fans getting pumped for Mizzou, what do you expect? I don't see any trash talk directed towards Mizzou, just enthusiastic support. You want to see trash talk, come back to these articles a little more often.
Finally...I can see all the trash talk though I don't support it, but rejoicing in a Oklahoma loss? Ridiculous. Texas beating Oklahoma is bad for the Big 12 and bad for the state. Come on guys, get some State Pride. Heck, if OSU beats Mizzou that's good for the Big 12...maybe then the Big 12 will steal some hype away from the SEC. State Pride people...that's what it's all about.
Ok...wow. Houston rolled up almost 500 yards of offense and scored 37 points. That's not "putting them away." Next, Bradford was on the ground constantly against TCU and guess how he responded? Throwing for career high 411 yards. He was a freshman last year on the road. What do you expect? He has some growing curves. OSU's allowed three straigh 400 yards games. Even Mizzou hasn't done that. SO...I find most of the "positive" let's slaughter Mizzou comments pointless and fugitive. Mizzou's going to show everyone in the state that OSU can score on anyone, but can't stop anyone to save its lives. Let's not forget that all three of those games were in Boone Pickens. This game is in Mizzou, and it's a TOUGH place to play. Need I go on?
Finally, Carlson, the Heisman is NOT and MVP award, it's the award for the best player in college football. Therefore, your argument is mute.
'Bama is number one. OU a close second. But this weekend could change that in my opinion. Hold on to the ball and knock McCoy around a lot and OU wins!!!
Francine. Houston led at halftime until the Dez Bryant show took over. I was there, I saw, and even when the game got out of hand, Houston had little trouble moving the ball. Texas A&M moved the ball a bunch too, and they struggled at home against Army. My point is not that OSU is no good. They are very good. Problem is, Missouri is better. Nobody, and I mean nobody has even slowed Missouri down even a little bit. I have a hard time thinking OSU will. OSU will need to score early and often (which they may) and hope for some turnovers (which they may or may not get). They will have a shot, but they will need some breaks that Missouri usually doesnt give up.
Mark, I agree that Bradford is a great QB. Very poised and has an accurate arm. However, I don't believe he was injured in all of those games. Just Texas Tech I believe. It is my opinion that he indeed does get rattled when he gets hit. Against Iowa State and Colorado, when pressure was applied, he didn't do as well. Now, he will improve in that area and he hasn't been tested yet. Hopefully, he has improved in this area for the UT game and the rest of the Big 12.
KJ, Stillwater, If "Ifs" and buts were candy and nuts, it would be Christmas year round. Missouri will make OSU look like Panhandle State. You can hang your 10 gallon hat on that.
NN, Tulsa, you got something against Sam Bradford? Maybe your just jealous he doesn't play for your team. I sit on the 50 yard line behind the Sooner Bench at every game. I watch Sam Bradford, he is one of the most focused, calmest quarterbacks I've seen at OU in a long time. As far as the games you mentioned, I didn't see him get rattled, he did get hurt. Is that being rattled?
to francine in garland, osu will have to play lights out. missouri is not even in the same class as osu's opponents. come on, texas a&m at 2-3. these guys suck. they are not your a&m of old. all they did was beat a once proud program. sherman will keep them mediocre until he gets fired. wash. st at 1-5, really had to play lights out there. whew!!!! missouri st. another juggernaut at 1-3. houston, home of the ...... well i'm not sure what they're home of. and last but not least don't forget troy who sits in first place in their ever dangerous conference at 2-3. a new stadium does not change a program over night. missouri will beat you guys by at least 35. if this is what lights out football is, then what does missouri play????
OSU can't stop Missouri and Missouri can't stop the Cowboys. Should be a high scoring game. The team that doesn't turn over the ball will win. The Cowboys have as many "play makers" as Missouri, but because of the lack of press, no one knows about them. Nice job from the Cowboys sports publicity department and the Daily Oklahoman.
Sam Bradford doesn't get rattled??? Are you serious? He looked plenty rattled last year at Colorado, Iowa State and Texas Tech to me. If Bradford didn't have the best pass protection offensive line in the nation, he wouldn't be near as productive and you guys wouldn't be singing his praises so much.
Have you seen the betting line? Tramel isn't the only one believing that OSU will have to play almost perfect to beat MU. This would be considered a big upset.
Tramel shouldn't be allowed to answer questions about OSU b/c we all know his responses will be negative towards them. I'm pretty sure OSU is still undefeated also! This weekend will be a tough challenge but if our defense can get just one or two stops we can win b/c I have no doubt our offense can put up big numbers on their defense! Hopefully after this weekend we will be 6-0. It would make the weekend even better if Texas would cream OU!!! GO POKES!
This is just typical writing for Tramel and company...not giving OSU a chance to win unless we play "lights out". Well isn't that what they've been doing? Tramel and company said Houston would be a test for OSU and we put them away, they said Troy would be the test and we put them away, then they said, Texas A&M would be the game that would ultimately describe our season and you know what, we blew them away...
and now we have even bigger game and yet we can never get any respect or positive comments from this rag of a paper. I've had it with all your positive comments and articles about OU and nothing EVER positive about OSU. Well we'll be there on Saturday in Columbia and the playes of OSU, offense and defense, will be ready to meet yet another challenge in their OSU careers. I just hope that when we win on Saturday, the front page is in color for OSU and not OU and can we find some writer fans for OSU to write the articles.
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Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
So much wrongness.
Did you forget that part? Sam Bradford played very well for a freshman quarterback...he was only in high school the year before, he'd never played with the big boys, but you probably forgot that part didn't you? I have never seen a starting freshman play all season without getting 'rattled'.
LMFAO - I'm not laughing at you; it is just really funny how you said it. I agree with you totally. I wonder how "Sammy B" feels about it. It sounds like a horrible white gangsta rap name. hehehe It is just funny that you said exactly what I was just thinking.
Finally, Carlson, the Heisman is NOT and MVP award, it's the award for the best player in college football. Therefore, your argument is mute.
and now we have even bigger game and yet we can never get any respect or positive comments from this rag of a paper. I've had it with all your positive comments and articles about OU and nothing EVER positive about OSU. Well we'll be there on Saturday in Columbia and the playes of OSU, offense and defense, will be ready to meet yet another challenge in their OSU careers. I just hope that when we win on Saturday, the front page is in color for OSU and not OU and can we find some writer fans for OSU to write the articles.