By GUERIN EMIG Sports Writer on Aug 31, 2012, at 12:06 AM Updated on 8/31 at 12:06 AM
OU SPORTS
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Three things the Oklahoma Sooners would love to see happen Saturday night in El Paso…
1 – Landry Jones goes off
Blake Bell isn't going anywhere. He'll get his touchdowns this season. He might even get a few Saturday.
But it is Jones' course that will determine OU's ultimately. What better way to start than 400 yards and four touchdowns in the Sun Bowl.
2 – Kenny Stills starts well
I believe Trey Metoyer will be the Sooners' leading receiver this season. That, however, does not mean Stills needs to vanish. Honestly, he should do just the opposite. He should thrive in the slot position, as Metoyer and Justin Brown draw much of the defense's attention outside.
Stills struggled in the slot after Ryan Broyles went down a year ago. Ten catches for 100-some yards should do a lot to rebuild his confidence.
3 – R.J. Washington and Chuka Ndulue meet at the quarterback
By moving David King from defensive end to tackle, OU is asking a lot of two players who have never started a college game. By several accounts, Washington has been great in camp and is poised to duplicate Frank Alexander's huge 2011 senior season.
If Ndulue can give the Sooners a taste of Ronnell Lewis from the opposite end, they'll be just fine with King inside as long as they need him there.
Three things OU can't afford to have happen Saturday night at UTEP…
1 – Gabe Ikard goes down
Ikard is the most important player on the offense outside of Jones. Lose him and I honestly don't know who Bob Stoops would plug in at center.
I don't know how the Sooners could cope with their toughest, smartest and most versatile lineman, their offensive captain along with Jones, out of action.
2 – Dom Whaley runs tentatively
Reviews on Whaley's reconstructed ankle have been very positive, but also very hopeful pending a game situation. The Sooners' most decisive running back of a year ago must be so again for their running attack to work.
If he isn't, JUCO transfer Damien Williams had better be ready to make the FBS jump.
3 – The defense gives up 4-5 big plays
You can hear it now: "If UTEP can gash this defense, imagine what Big 12 offenses will do."
Imagine what a letdown it would be to those who just knew Mike Stoops was the answer to all of OU's problems.
The Miners will move the ball some. Everybody does anymore. But they shouldn't do it 40 yards at a time. Not unless it's already 56-0 and Stoops is playing out the string.
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