Sooner's Favored 5 1/2 Over Nebraska

Sports News - November 6th, 2009 - Written by Scott

An important game in the Big 12 takes place Saturday as No. 20 Oklahoma travels to play Nebraska. Not only is this game one the most heated rivalry games in college football, it has a lot of importance in regards to the conference. Both teams still have a shot at winning their respective divisions, but a loss by either would probably eliminate them from a shot at the Big 12 title. Oklahoma (5-3, 3-1) is coming off their 42-20 win over Kansas State and Nebraska defeated Baylor last Saturday 20-10. The Sooners have won their past four meetings with Nebraska, including last years' 62-28 win.

The Sooners' offense has been performing well lately and has scored 73 points in their last two games. With quarterback Sam Bradford out for the year, Landry Jones realizes this is his team now and has continued to make progress. He has thrown for 1,657 yards and 17 touchdowns. Their running attack is led by Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray. They have combined for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jones has two playmakers at receiver in Ryan Broyles and Brandon Caleb. Broyles is their leader at receiver and has caught for 591 yards and 10 touchdowns. Oklahoma has turned to the spread formation which has allowed them to get off to fast starts in their past two games and have passed more to set up the run.

After a minor setback last week against Kansas State, the Sooners'defense should have not problem being ready for their rival Nebraska. Oklahoma has been stout defensively all season and is allowing only 2.6 yards per play. They have been strong against the run and are only giving up 80 yards per game on the ground.

Nebraska's offense has been extremely sluggish over their past three games and has managed just three touchdowns during this span. Starting quarterback Zac Lee has lost his job and was replaced by Cody Green last week. Green is expected to make only his second start against Oklahoma and has passed for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back Roy Helu has not been running with authority lately which could possibly be attributed his sore shoulder. For the year, he has rushed for 668 yards and 6 touchdowns. Niles Paul is their leader at wide receiver and has 413 yards and 3 touchdowns. It will be important for the Cornhuskers to establish their running game to take the pressure off Green.

The Nebraska defense is just not giving up points this season. They have allowed just eight touchdowns all year and are giving up just 11 points per game. The Cornhuskers have gotten great pressure from their front four all season and have received great play form their secondary which has allowed just 3 touchdowns through the air this year.

Oklahoma will be favored by 5 1/2 on the road against Nebraska according to BetUS sportsbook. The over/under is set at 41 1/2. This rivalry matchup is huge for both schools as they try to ease their way into a conference title game and move their way up in the College Football Standings.

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