No. 8 Oklahoma Favored By 7 1/2 Over No. 17 Miami

NFL News - October 1st, 2009 - Written by John

The Miami Hurricanes (2-1) looked at their schedule at the beginning of the season and knew how tough their first four games were going to be. If they could make it through this rough stretch without a loss, a shot at the national title could have awaited. However, the 17th ranked Canes could not get passed Virginia Tech last weekend and now have to face No. 8 Oklahoma. Oklahoma (2-1) is still awaiting the status of quarterback Sam Bradford as he tries to return after a two week absence due to a shoulder injury. Oklahoma is coming off a 45-0 shutout two weeks ago against Tulsa. Both teams are at 2-1 and Oklahoma routed Miami in their last meeting 51-13 in 2007.

Miami's offense is centered around talented quarterback Jacory Harris. He has thrown for 806 yards and 5 touchdowns this year. He is surrounded by a speedy and talented group of receivers and three have over 100 yards receiving this season. Their rushing attack has been solid as Graig Cooper and Javarris Harris have combined for 322 yards and 4 touchdowns. It will be important for their defense to stop the rushing attack of Oklahoma which is averaging 196.3 yards per game. They will need to cut down on the missed tackles they had a week ago and the secondary will be tested no matter which Sooner quarterback is under center. It could be a tough day for their defense against an explosive Sooner offense. Oklahoma is averaging 40 points a game which ranks 12th nationally.

The Sooners are still uncertain on the status of Bradford. If he can not play, they have quarterback Landry Jones who has played well in his absence. He has thrown for 693 yards and 9 touchdowns. DeMarco Murray leads a talented running back group, which has three backs over 100 yards, with 219 yards and 2 touchdowns. At wide receiver, Ryan Broyles has 309 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, the Sooners have been at their best the past two weeks and have not allowed a point in their past two games. They have also recorded 12 sacks on the year and have 9 takeaways. Containing Harris will be the key in this game for Oklahoma, as well as not allowing big plays from Miami's talented group of wide receivers.

Oklahoma is favored on the road at Miami by 7 1/2 according to Betus sportsbook. The over/under is set at 49 1/2. The Hurricanes are 2-1 against the Sooners in Miami.

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