OU 2-minute drill for Texas Tech game
BY JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Saturday, November 13, 2010
11/13/10 at 8:04 AM
What's at stake: The Sooners' 35-game home field winning streak, during which they've outscored opponents by 30 points per game, is on the line. So is a shot at the Big 12 South crown, where OU must run the table and hope to finish in a three-way tie with OSU and Texas A&M. In that scenario, the Sooners need Oklahoma State to win at Texas Saturday. If UT beats the Cowboys, OU needs Nebraska to win in College Station next week.
Who to watch: Since several debacles in the opener versus Utah State, OU's pass defense has been solid most games. OU corner Jamell Fleming leads the nation in passes defensed (1.63 per game). With Tommy Tuberville as head coach instead of Mike Leach, and 30-year-old Neal Brown calling plays, the Red Raider passing game remains prolific, ranking third in the Big 12 at 313.4 yards per game.
Bottom line: Oklahoma, a 16-point favorite, should win its 36th in a row at home. Tech has not won in Norman since 1996. If the Raiders get a running game going, it could get interesting, but the Sooners are typically stingy at home versus the run. OU has won every even-year Big 12 title since 2000. If that streak is to continue, this team must forget its home success and immediately turn its attention to Waco, Texas, and Stillwater.
Associated Images:
OU cornerback Jamell Fleming breaks up a pass to Florida State's Ja'Baris Little earlier this season. Fleming leads the nation in passes defended. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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