Who will win the first Belldozer battle? OU offense or Notre Dame defense?
Published: 10/24/2012 12:27 PM
Last Modified: 10/24/2012 12:27 PM
Blake Bell has eight rushing touchdowns in 2012 and 21 overall.
The Sooners depend heavily on the 6-6, 254-pound sophomore quarterback in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
A physical Notre Dame defense – one that hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown this year – awaits Bell and the Sooners this week. There’s little doubt that both the Oklahoma offense and the Fighting Irish defense want to make an early statement when Bell takes the field.
Oklahoma offensive tackle Lane Johnson said, “It’ll kind of prove what we’re all about as an offensive line and test their d-line out. Their d-line is probably the best unit we’ll face this year. They’re really strong. It’s a great challenge for us. I’m excited to see what happens on Saturday.”
Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o had a simpler answer to counter Bell: “You just hit him. It’s nothing different.”
The winner of the first Bell run – either Oklahoma or Notre Dame – will get an emotional boost. If OU gets a first down or touchdown out of it, the offensive line will be pumped up. If Notre Dame stops Bell, the Irish will get that same lift. Could that momentum carry over throughout the game?
Or maybe Bell and the Sooners will show something it hasn’t this season: A pass out of the Belldozer package.
Written by
Eric Bailey
Sports Writer
