ESPN.com: NCF - For Stoops and OU, no looking back

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Wednesday, October 24

For Stoops and OU, no looking back

By Bill Curry
Special to ESPN.com

There is an old joke about two campers and a grizzly bear. As the two buddies nervously peek through the tentflap at the big fellow, who is peering in their direction, one of them begins to lace on running shoes. "You can't outrun a grizzly bear!" whispers one of them. "I ain't got to outrun the bear. All I got to do is outrun you," says the other.

Game Plan: No. 2 Oklahoma

Offense:

Protect White like solid gold. Change the protection scheme or he will go the way of Hybl (concussions).

You must attack the Nebraska corners much the same way you did last year, with similar results.

Third down must improve - 33% conversion rate will not win this game.

Defense:

Remember Kansas State - play action from the option package will be your toughest challenge.

Crouch is not the same guy you saw last year.

PHYSICAL-NEBRASKA
Special teams:

Keep up the net punt work. Field position is crucial.

NU leads the league in kickoff coverage - match them.

FG accuracy must improve.
Players:

Teddy Lehman and Lance Dunley - bad time to be getting arrested. You have some makeup to do with the team.

You are not just the "hunted" since you are champs. "We get to hunt every week too!" said Coach Stoops.

You embarrassed NU last year. They will be different this time.
Coaches:

Exploit NU's defensive lapses.

Penalties must be reduced.

Forcing Crouch to throw may not be as wise on a steady basis this time. Remember Roberson of K-State.

Bob Stoops is tired of hearing that the 2001 Sooners are not as good as the 2000 version. He reminds us that the two will never meet. He doesn't have to beat the grizzly that was last year's team. All he has to do is beat the teams on this schedule. He doesn't bother peeking out the tentflap -- he just keeps lacing on the shoes.

Of course victories are tougher this time around. Having re-energized one of football's most storied rivalries, the Oklahoma program is learning why it is harder to repeat than to win a championship the first time. The blessing of added confidence brings with it the best shot from each opponent.

The strings of amazing numbers surrounding these teams could qualify for Guinness' Book of World Records. This Saturday will be the 246th consecutive sellout for Nebraska home football. Oklahoma has now won 20 games in a row. The last 39 meetings of these two teams found at least one of them ranked. One or the other has occupied the top spot in the BCS rankings for the last eight rankings in a row.

In the "Not-quite-strings-but-amazing" category are the following facts:

Since 1971, when the last "Game of the Century" that really was a "Game of the Century" was played, both teams have been in the Top Ten sixteen times on the date of their game.

Since 1971, both teams have been in the Top Five no less than nine times when they played.

This year's Nebraska team dominates Big 12 statistics, but their usual dose of lesser foes has much to do with that. Oklahoma, having played a tougher schedule, is close behind in most significant categories. Though the Cornhuskers rank first in scoring offense, scoring defense, rushing offense, rushing defense, total offense, total defense, sacks, and kickoff coverage, Oklahoma is within striking distance of them all save rushing, which is offset by their passing yardage.

There are some startling differences in the two teams' performances that will be indicators for this year's matchup. First and foremost is Eric Crouch, the alltime NCAA leader in rushing TDs for a QB (55). He leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency and in yards per attempted pass.

This is very sobering news for an Oklahoma defense that snickered when Crouch tried to throw his way back into last year's game. It was hard to gauge trajectory on the passes because of the shotput motion of Crouch's wounded shoulder. Now he averages 8.76 yards per attempted pass, the most important number in the passing game in terms of productivity.

Game Plan: No. 3 Nebraska

Offense:

Turnovers must be eliminated. Your point production does not match the yards you produce.

Big plays early with play action off option.

Test Craver early and often.
Defense:

White seems to bring an added dimension of leadership. Rattle him, confuse him with variety.

Offensive line is injured, or subs. Stunts and movement will allow for penetration.

Force turnovers!
Special teams:

Last week's punt team embarrassment will have been noticed. Lane integrity, tackling must be assured.

They have given up a TD on a kickoff return - test them with great blocking.

Pressure their kicker - freeze him early. He has been erratic.
Players:

Benefit from last week's wakeup call.

Your revenge motive will only be as good as your focus on the task at hand.

Do you want to go back to the
Alamo Bowl?
Coaches:

Even you couldn't have imagined how Texas Tech would go. Be in their heads.

Address the strange lapses in special teams and defensive play - correct during game if necessary.

This is Lincoln - play to the crowd!

The second surprise in the numbers is the Nebraska advantage in third down efficiency. 48.3 percent of the time the Cornhuskers convert on third down. Oklahoma may be the only undefeated team I have seen that has won this many games while converting only 33 percent on third down. The defense has clearly carried the load, but the offense will be required to perform better to win this time.

The final numerical disparity that is usually the most important is the turnover margin. Oklahoma is +9 while Nebraska is only +1. This is a substantial difference, and will tend to equalize all the Nebraska advantages if the teams play true to form.

Both teams' kicking game is suspect. Oklahoma has had a punt and a kickoff returned for TDs this year, and Nebraska actually had two punt returns run down its throat last week by Wes Welker of Texas Tech. That was in the first half alone, and was somewhat alleviated by the fact that one was called back because Tech lined up offside.

Both teams are good in net punting, with outstanding punters Jeff Ferguson (OU) and Kyle Larson (NU). The placekickers have struggled a bit, with Josh Brown of Nebraska making five of eight and Tim Duncan of OU ten of 18.

The unknown factor is QB Jason White. He is a local boy made good, and the toast of his hometown -- Tuttle, Oklahoma. He has paid his dues, and seems to relate well to the team. None of that prepares him for the shock of lining up as the starter in Lincoln in a shirt that isn't red. He will need awhile just to get his head on straight, and he doesn't have the luxury of much time to accomplish that.

Both teams are riddled with significant injuries, especially in the offensive line. If a couple of key players, like Cuyeo Craver or Dave Volk of NU or Vince Carter of OU are added to the already significant injury lists, there would be a major impact on the affected team.

ESPN college football analyst Bill Curry coached for 17 years in the college ranks. His Game Plans for marquee matchups will appear each week during the season.

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