Tulsa World: OU: 3 Storylines

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OU: 3 Storylines

By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 10/25/2008 2:07 AM
Last Modified: 10/25/2008 3:12 AM

A look at three things to watch in today's Oklahoma-Kansas State contest.

'D' up

Oklahoma has the Big 12's No. 1 overall defense, allowing just 315.7 yards per game. The Sooners would be No. 1 in scoring defense, too, if it weren't for special teams that have allowed two TDs on kick returns, a FG after another kick return and a safety off a bad punt snap. (Special teams also keep OU out of the No. 1 scoring offense spot.) Also, Cincinnati and Kansas scored TDs in the final minute against mostly Sooner backups.

Special order

About those special teams: The Sooners don't have to play special. They just have to not botch things. The Wildcats lead the NCAA with seven blocked kicks this year, and four of those have been returned for a touchdown (also tops in the nation). KSU uses special teams as a scoring weapon. OU has been close to getting punts blocked all season. Such a play here could be a huge momentum surge for the home team.

Run it up

Not the score, although that never hurts in this age of BCS standings. No, the Sooners need to be able to run the football against the Big 12's 11th-ranked run defense (and statistically worst overall in total yards allowed). K-State gives up 190.6 yards per game on the ground and 4.6 yards per attempt. If the Wildcats can stop the OU run game, then last week's effort against Kansas was a mirage. By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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5055567475852000, Euless (10/25/2008 9:01:01 AM)

D is not 'up'; do you realize that our great defense has given up almost 1000 yards in total defense the past two games? Thank the Good Lord, Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all of the angels and saints that I didn't have to pay for this crap.

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