PFB Big XII Preview: Better Sooner Than Later? 2
Oklahoma’s early injury troubles may pave way for Longhorn revenge. But don’t count out the other team Sooner Nation loves to hate.
Contributed by Matt Ralph, PFB Member
(Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press / September 5, 2009)
Every game matters. That’s what BCS apologists like to say about the current figure skating-esque popularity contest that is Division 1 college football. That may still be the case for teams like a healthy Colt McCoy-led Texas, but injuries to reigning Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford and NFL-caliber tight end Jermaine Grisham have already threatened to give Sooner Nation plenty of meaningless games to watch this season.
The two early season injuries have probably done more to hurt Oklahoma’s
chances of playing for another Big XII title in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 5, than their heart-wrenching first-game loss to BYU. Depending on how long Bradford is gone — Grisham is done for the year — they could go from favorite to long shot in a matter of weeks. Or even days.
Texas, still jilted from being left out of the Big XII title game last year despite taking care of business in the Red River Shootout, is now seemingly poised to keep the BCS dog from pooping on their greener pastures even without any Congressional meddling . But don’t count out that other team Sooner fans love to hate in Stillwater – the gang with the deep pocketed No. 1 fan and the explosive offensive trio of Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter and Dez Bryant.
Texas Tech lost its passing machine, but the Mike Leach system Graham Harrell feasted on is still in place, as are several key contributors not named Michael Crabtree. Expect the Red Raiders to compete and make Harrell and Crabtree look more and more like overrated products of a system. But don’t expect a repeat of 2007.
Barring more injuries and surprises, the other eight teams in the conference (nine if the ‘stache gets too many snaps) will play the role of making the conference look good and padding the resume of the eventual South Division winner.
Kansas, with Todd Reesing back for (believe it or not) one last tour, will put up plenty of points but will likely be the first team (Daryl Stuckey excluded) fans from other conferences will point to at the end of the season when criticizing the conference for its crap defenses. The Jayhawks are also a good bet to play whipping boy to Texas on Dec. 5, unless Bo Pelini can work his magic with only five starters returning (d-lineman Ndamukong Suh the most high profile) from a mediocre 2008 unit.
Missouri’s best days are probably now gathering dust in Chase Daniel’s trophy cabinet. In fact, we might hear more about the Tigers greatness in the past tense when Maclin catches passes on Sundays with the Eagles than we will from the pundits talking about the 2009 team. Mizzou won’t be horrible, but they’ll be brought back to earth and may even pass Baylor on their way down the overall standings. Fleet-footed QB Robert Griffin should make plenty of highlight reels this season and could lead a talented Bears team to a bowl game before it’s all over. If nothing else, they should shake both the Baptists can’t play football and doormat to the stars labels this year.
The doormat labels will more likely be affixed to the Aggies, Buffaloes and Wildcats, who will all be rare species on the national stage and the Cyclones defense, which let’s face it, still won’t be exactly tearing up any countrysides this year.
I’ve got to go with the speed and experience of Florida, plus doesn’t Tebow have God on his side at this point? Florida 35 Oklahoma 28
Have to say 42-35 Sooners
I care more about the Cork Board episode of the show “How it’s Made” than i do this game, or college football for that matter, but what the heck… Florida 38 – Oklahoma 24.
Oklahoma 41, Florida 35
Gators 31-21
FL 41, OU 35.
Florida 44, Oklahoma 41.
35 – 27 Florida wins
Florida 28, OU 17
Florida 38, OU 27
Florida 52, Oklahoma 21.
Florida 38 Oklahoma 31
Oklahoma 41 Florida 37
I’m a homer, and since I’m in Big XII country, I say that Oklahoma breaks the string of BCS futility and get it done.
Gators 38 Sooners 31
Gators 77 Sooners 76