Tulsa World: BCS CHAMPIONSHIP matchups

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BCS CHAMPIONSHIP matchups

By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 1/8/2009 2:35 AM
Last Modified: 1/8/2009 3:44 AM

OU ground game vs. Florida rush defense

Florida has faced just one opponent ranked higher than 30th nationally in rushing offense. UF ranks 15th in stopping the run, allowing just 105.3 yards per game. OU's run game ranks 18th and over the last seven games has averaged 247 yards per game.

Edge: OU. The absence of DeMarco Murray (1,002 rushing yards, a school-record 2,171 all-purpose yards, 18 TDs) will hurt, but Chris Brown (1,110 rushing, 21 TDs) and Mossis Madu (114 yards, three TDs in the Big 12 title game) can carry the load.

OU passing game vs. Florida passing defense

The combination of a fierce pass rush and sticky coverage surrenders just 174 yards per game (15th nationally). Only four opponents surpassed 200 yards, and none went over 292. But only Georgia (No. 16) is an accomplished passing team. OU has been held below 300 yards just once all year.

Edge: OU. Sam Bradford's poise and patience earned him the Heisman, but it was his senior receivers and offensive line who have provided unparalleled passing opportunities.

Florida ground game vs. OU rush defense

The Gators will attack the edge with speed, then pound 240-pound throwback QB Tim Tebow into the middle. Florida hit South Carolina for 346, then crushed Citadel for 394 and Florida State with 317.

OU is often stingy early, perhaps because teams are playing catch-up.

Edge: Florida. The Gators lead the nation with five runners over 400 yards and speedsters Jeff Demps (8.4 yards per carry) and Chris Raney (7.9) and wideout Percy Harvin (8.8) can eat up chunks of yards.

Florida passing game vs. OU passing defense

A landslide for former Heisman winner Tim Tebow against an OU pass defense that ranks 98th nationally? Maybe not. The Gators rely on the passing game only to set up the run or to convert long yardage. Louis Murphy (611 yards, six TDs) and Percy Harvin (595, seven) are fast, but Sooner corners have been consistent in coverage.

Edge: OU. A steady Sooner pass rush is needed, and they got just that against much more dangerous passing schemes in Texas Tech and Missouri. OU must tackle and play tight underneath.

Special teams

Oklahoma's kicking game could be the worst overall in the nation. Jimmy Stevens is just 8-of-11 on field goals, and Mike Knall ranks last among NCAA qualifiers with 36.4 net yards per punt. OU's real problem is on kick coverage: it's the only team this season to give up four TD returns.

Edge: Florida. The Gators are excellent in all phases (11-of-12 on FGs, 42.8 yards on punts and All-American Brandon James on returns) and could dominate the field position battle. By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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