ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops' announcement that he's willing to wait perhaps until Saturday to decide on Sam Bradford's availability is significant.

If Bradford was unable to play this week against Miami, I think Stoops would have said so. But the fact that he's stretching the decision out for a couple of more days indicates that Bradford's recovery is such that he could play Saturday night against the Hurricanes.

Obviously, Stoops has to be careful about his call. But he said he would make his decision after watching Bradford in practice, consulting doctors and seeing if Bradford can do the things necessary to operate the Sooners' offense.

"I'd love to give you an answer so I don't have to answer it the entire week," Stoops said. "But it's too early to get the answer. I'm not able to give the answer yet until we see what Sam is capable of throughout the week."

Bradford sustained a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in the Sooners' 14-13 season-opening loss to BYU on Sept. 5.

Bradford has returned to throwing and Stoops has been pleased with his early work.

"I will say to this point that everything he has done last week and this week as we have progressed, he has handled well," Stoops said. "He has not had any setbacks. That's positive in that everything he has been going through and done he has handled in a positive way and made daily progress. That part is encouraging, but it's too early to determine his status for Saturday."

Stoops said that the Oklahoma offense won't change if backup Landry Jones plays. Jones passed for a school-record six touchdown passes in the Sooners' most recent victory against Tulsa on Sept. 19.

"We are still very confident in what Landry Jones has been able to do to this point of the year," Stoops said. "He continues to be more and more back there. He has executed and handled himself incredibly well. That gives you a good feeling regardless of Sam's situation."

But if Bradford was definitely out, Stoops would have mentioned it. He went to great lengths at his press conference to say he wasn't cloaking anything for Miami.

"They've watched us the last two weeks without Sam," Stoops said. "In the end, we aren't a different offense. You have an advantage if a guy plays or not if you have a different style of offense and you bring somebody else. That's not a big deal."

In other news from the Sooners' news conference:

• Stoops said that the baseball infield at Land Shark Stadium would be replaced before Saturday's game. Some had wondered if the Sooners' speed would be negated if they had to play on part of the field still having a baseball infield.
• Stoops said that injured tight end Jermaine Gresham will declare for the draft after the season and won't return to college, despite his season-ending knee injury.
• Stoops also said he doesn't anticipate middle linebacker Mike Balogun being able to play this year after he was decertified by the NCAA for playing semi-professional football after he turned 21. "Right now, I don't see it happening this year," Stoops said. "It's not likely."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Some Big 12 position groups are clearly above others as far as raw talent and athleticism. Here's a look at some of the most dominant in the conference.

Oklahoma's front seven: The Sooners go two-deep in talent in the defensive line and linebackers. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy anchors the defensive front and is an Outland Trophy candidate. Adrian Taylor and Cordero Moore also are capable players. The Sooners have the best collection of defensive ends in college football with Frank Alexander, Jeremy Beal, R.J. Washington and Auston English. Travis Lewis could develop into one of the finest linebackers in Oklahoma history and Mike Balogun, Brandon Crow and Keenan Clayton all are expected to contribute. If heady team leader Ryan Reynolds comes back from his knee injury, this group could rival any in the country -- if it doesn't already.

Texas' secondary: After producing only six interceptions last season, Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp ratcheted up competition among defensive backs. The results were seen in the spring, when the group was the best defensive backfield group I saw in the conference. Aaron Williams and Chykie Brown have emerged as starters at the corners with Curtis Brown and Deon Beasley providing backup. Safeties Blake Gideon and Christian Scott both are emerging, but the key player might be sophomore safety Earl Thomas, who played the nickel position with tenacity and abandon. It's not a stretch to say that two Thorpe Award winners could emerge out of this group in the next several years.

Colorado's running backs: The Buffaloes seemingly have a back for every situation with the deepest backfield in the conference. Darrell Scott appears intent on making a comeback after a disappointing freshman season. Rodney Stewart looks recovered from a broken leg sustained last season that kept him from rushing for 1,000 yards. Sophomore Brian Lockridge appears to be the fastest back and 215-pound Demetrius Sumler is the biggest back with the best inside running ability among the group. This group will serve as the backbone for the Buffaloes' hopes of returning to a bowl game and perhaps their dark horse challenge for the Big 12 North title.

Kansas' wide receivers: Dezmon Briscoe missed all of spring practice for an undisclosed violation of team rules, but is back to serve as one of the nation's most explosive deep talents. Coach Mark Mangino hopes to be able to permanently switch Kerry Meier to receiver for his senior season after a breakout season in 2008. Meier and Briscoe were two of the nation's top-15 receivers last season when they combined for 189 catches, 2,452 yards and 23 touchdown grabs. And Wilson emerged as quarterback Todd Reesing's go-to receiver in the spring when Briscoe was gone, notching six catches in the spring game. Add Rod Harris, Tertavian Ingram and Raimond Pendleton and it might be among the most potent pass-catching groups in the nation.

Nebraska's running backs: With unproven Zac Lee starting at quarterback, look for Shawn Watson to lean heavily on a pair of talented returning backs. Quentin Castille trimmed about 20 pounds to get into better shape and leading returning rusher Roy Helu Jr. boosted his weight by 24 pounds to become a more powerful rusher between the tackles. Together, it wouldn't be a stretch that the two backs could combine for 2,000 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns if both can stay healthy.

Iowa State's running backs: With new offensive coordinator Tom Herman taking over with a spread offensive attack, a talented array of running backs still will have frequent opportunities to contribute. Leading returning rusher Alexander Robinson could be poised to become one of the most underrated rusher/receiver combination backs in the conference. But Robinson will have to fight for playing time with a stacked group that also includes bruising redshirt freshman Jeremiah Schwartz and heralded University of Florida transfer Bo Williams. Herman will be able to utilize all three backs in a variety of roles.

Missouri's defensive ends: The Tigers appeared loaded before spring practice with Brian Coulter and Jacquies Smith back, but redshirt freshman Aldon Smith has developed into an immediate contributor. Converted offensive tackle Brad Madison and redshirt Marcus Marlbrough also had strong springs, leading Gary Pinkel to say it was his best group of defensive ends he's ever had at Missouri.

Texas Tech's wide receivers: Even after losing two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree and Eric Morris, the Red Raiders developed several potential playmakers during the spring. Edward Britton appeared to have crawled out of Mike Leach's doghouse with strong late production. New quarterback Taylor Potts should have many productive targets including Detron Lewis, Tramain Swindall, Lyle Leong, walk-on flanker Adam Torres, 6-foot-7 Adrian Reese and redshirt freshmen Austin Zouzalik and Eric Ward. The Red Raiders won't have two players grab the majority of balls like Crabtree and Morris did in recent seasons. Instead, they will feature a more balanced attack featuring eight to 10 receivers capable of thriving in a tag-team approach.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

MIAMI -- I just wandered briefly among the clutter of people along the Oklahoma sideline at Dolphin Stadium. The stadium is still less than half full and appears to be about 80 percent Florida fans so far.

There seems to be definite electricity surging through the stadium, no different from any of the nine previous national championship games I've covered. You can tell this one is a little extra special, though.

I got a chance to see celebrities like New England coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft sizing up the talent on the field. I also watched Florida running back/wide receiver Percy Harvin run a couple of pass patterns without too much pain, despite pregame reports of a tweaked ankle suffered in practice earlier this week.

The Sooners look loose and prepared. There were no pregame incidents involving either team, despite some beefed-up security because of some of the things said earlier in the week.

Here are a couple of other last-minute factors to watch:

Weather: It's currently 74 degrees with 50 percent humidity and hardly any wind. I can't imagine conditions being any more ideal. Temperatures are expected to drop into the high 60s as the game continues with no chance of rain.

Injuries: The Sooners are in pretty good shape with the exception of missing two key players. Running back DeMarco Murray, the Sooners' leading breakaway threat and top kick returner, will miss the game with a torn hamstring sustained in the Big 12 championship game. It means that Chris Brown will get most of the carries with Mossis Madu filling in at times as well. Both of the backs rushed for 100 yards and scored three touchdowns against Missouri.

Backup defensive tackle Demarcus Granger will miss the game after undergoing back surgery. Granger contributed 20 tackles and will be replaced in the rotation by Cory Bennett.

Mike Balogun will be starting at middle linebacker, although Austin Box said earlier this week he is nearly 100 percent and should be ready to play. Look for Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to play Balogun until he makes a bust. Then, it wouldn't surprise me to see Box play.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Earlier this season, Travis Lewis didn't know if he would ever learn the intricacies of Oklahoma's defense.

Understand that Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables' concepts are sometimes difficult to comprehend for even the most seasoned of veteran players. So some growing pains were to be expected for a redshirt freshman like Lewis who had seldom played the position before coming to college.

	Jerry Lai/US Presswire
	Travis Lewis (28) is looking forward to trying to slow down Florida's offense Thursday night.

But when injuries and the struggles of others contributed to Lewis moving forward on the depth chart, he still burned with fury because he thought he hadn't won the starting job because of his play.

"Things contributed to me starting ... it wasn't me being the best option," Lewis said. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. Going through that taught me how to play with a chip on my shoulder.

"I still treat every day like I'm third on the depth chart. I think about it every day when I wake up and every day before I go to practice."

That rage has fueled a remarkable debut season for Lewis, who has developed into the most productive freshman linebacker in Oklahoma history despite his lack of playing experience at the position.

"He came from out of nowhere," Venables said. "Travis has been able to overcome his lack of experience and technique and fundamentals because he plays so incredibly hard. He's been able to cover up his mistakes because of that."

The Sooners' program has been dotted by playmaking linebackers during the era that Venables has served as the Sooners' linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. Playmakers like Rocky Calmus, Teddy Lehman, Curtis Lofton and Rufus Alexander all have turned the position into one of the biggest strengths throughout the Bob Stoops era.

But none of them has had as quick a start as Lewis, who was a consensus All-Big 12 player and was named defensive newcomer of the year by the Associated Press and the league's coaches.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Breaking in four different starting middle linebackers during a four-game span earlier this season provided some trying moments for Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

The Sooners' instability in the middle came after starter Ryan Reynolds sustained a season-ending knee injury against Texas. The Sooners started safety Nic Harris as a stopgap the following week before inserting Austin Box into the lineup for their next game.

But Box was injured on the opening kickoff, sending Mike Balogun into the game. Box started the following week and finished the season before he was hurt again against Oklahoma State, providing more instability in the middle than in any of Venables' 10-year tenure with the Sooners.

The confusion was exhibited against Kansas State after Box's early injury.

"I thought I made it simple when I told them for two days I was going to call a zone blitz," Venables said. "Then Austin gets hurt and I've got a new starter. The field was to the left and we made it to the right call. But we had the Keystone Cops running into each other out there good for plus-18 (an 18-yard gain) on the first play. That was indicative of how it's gone."

But the Sooners have settled down to become an opportunistic unit as the season progressed with Box's return to the lineup. And while the defense isn't as productive as some of Venables' previous units in terms of points allowed and yards allowed, it has developed a knack for making big plays.

The Sooners rank second nationally in turnover margin (+1.69 per game) and have produced 26 takeaways in the last seven games. Oklahoma also has produced 42 sacks this season to rank third nationally, including 19 sacks in the last five games.

"It took us about two games to figure out where we were, who was going to call things and who was comfortable," Venables said. "But after that it allowed us to go where we are."

The transformation has been one of the most remarkable that Venables has seen during the course of a season.

"Since the Nebraska game, you've seen a maturation take place in the unit," Venables said. "There's a comfort level there. The aggressiveness has gone up with the guys getting more and more comfortable. A lot of young guys are figuring things out. In money situations, our guys have been successful."

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is comfortable with his rotation at middle linebacker. Box is set to return to action and Balogun is becoming more comfortable with additional work at the position as the Sooners prepare for Thursday's FedEx BCS National Championship Game against Florida.

Stoops said Sunday that Box is becoming more ready for action with each practice.

"He's loosening up and moving around pretty well," Stoops said. "He will play, we'll see how much."

And Balogun, who was seldom used before he was thrust into the lineup against Kansas State, also is becoming more proficient in Oklahoma's defense with a month of practice since the season ended.

"He's doing really well," Stoops said. "Naturally, the more snaps you get, the better and more comfortable you are. Mike is doing that and he's quite a bit further along than he was at the championship game."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Forget record-setting offenses and a slew of top quarterbacks. The Big 12 is becoming just as well known for its pre-game flyovers as anything else.

Texas fans made their presence well known tonight. A plane flew over the stadium a couple of hours before the kickoff with the banner "Enjoy the BeatbyTexas.com Bowl." Texas had beaten both teams by double-digit margins earlier this season.

The Web site Longhorn Nation revealed the rationale behind the flyover, which comes after similar spectacles at Austin and Stillwater during games last week. Another flyover lampooned Mack Brown on Thursday over the Texas campus.

It will be interesting if any other airplanes come by during the rest of the game. An even more dramatic point could be made if one of the groups decided to rent a blimp for its message delivery.

Here are some other late factors as we get ready for kickoff, about 30 minutes away.

WHAT'S AT STAKE: The conference's championship and an automatic bid to the Bowl Championship Series will be contested. Oklahoma can likely cement a chance to play in the BCS championship with a triumph. It would be a record third-straight Big 12 championship for the Sooners and would also provide Bob Stoops his sixth Big 12 championship. No other coach in league history has won more than one title.

And despite disappointment from a 9-3 season, Missouri can claim their first Big 12 title and also their first BCS berth in school history with an upset tonight. They would be headed for the Fiesta Bowl with the win.

The loser of the tonight's game could slide all the way to the Alamo Bowl, although Oklahoma might be able to squeeze its way into the Cotton Bowl if it should lose tonight.

One other item to note. Missouri is the biggest underdog in Big 12 conference history.

WEATHER: It's going to be cold tonight at Arrowhead Stadium, but not as frigid as for some previous Big 12 title games. Temperatures are in the mid-30s with a wind chill of 29 degrees and will slide below freezing as the game continues. The wind will be coming from the northwest at about 10 mph, so it could be a factor. There is no chance of precipitation.

Most importantly, the Arrowhead Stadium field looks to be in good shape. After turning soupy during the rain and snow at the end of last week's Missouri-Kansas game here, the Kansas City Chiefs' ground crew has done a masterful job of getting the turf back in shape. It looks like it's ready to go.

INJURIES: The biggest concern for Oklahoma is the loss of starting linebacker Austin Box, who sprained his knee against Oklahoma State last week. Construction-worker-turned-Sooner Mike Balogun apparently will get the start, although Travis Lewis might get more snaps in the middle and linebacker Nic Harris could switch from safety. Top Oklahoma pass rusher Auston English has looked sturdy in pre-game warm-ups and could return to the game for up to 20 to 25 snaps. And Sam Bradford's damaged thumb ligament on his non-throwing hand has been stabilized with a splint. He has been passing normally during the pre-game throws I've seen.

Missouri will be missing starting cornerback Castine Bridges, who sustained a season-ending knee injury last week against Kansas. Undersized senior replacement Tru Vaughns will get the first start of his career tonight in his place.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Missouri entered the year with more preseason buzz than any season in recent history.

The return of 2007 Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel and many of his offensive weapons made most think the Tigers offense would be a juggernaut this season. But the real excitement was about 10 returning defensive starters, making people think this Missouri team could evolve into a legitimate national title threat.

Mid-season losses to Oklahoma State and Texas snuffed out those dreams. And a loss to Kansas last week dropped the Tigers to 9-3.

They claimed a North Division title. But fans wanted more -- much more -- that never materialized.

Those disappointments could be changed if Missouri wins tonight. An upset tonight over Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game would catapult the Tigers into their first BCS bowl berth in history.

And that realization keeps Missouri coach Gary Pinkel from proclaiming this season was a failure despite the dashed national title hopes.

"I'm really proud of our team," Pinkel said. "You all want to win 10 or 11 games a year, and there's no question I want to do that.

"We didn't get it done. We lost to Texas, we had four straight games and lost a close one at the end after we had secured our championship. But I'm really proud of our team. You have to do the right things to win and we didn't do the right things."

Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was more succinct than that.

"You know, this is a crazy league," Maclin said. "We lost to Texas and Oklahoma State and then we beat Colorado 58-0. But I know we're where we want to be tonight. And if we can win the game tonight, we'll definitely be where we want to be."

Coming into the game, here are some notable items I'll be watching as the game unfolds.

• How will the cold weather affect Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford's injured left thumb? Bradford tore a ligament in his non-throwing hand last week against Oklahoma State. The injury has been stabilized with a splint and Bradford should be ready to go. A sign to watch will be if Oklahoma coaches trust him to take direct snaps from center Jon Cooper. The Sooners used shotgun formations almost exclusively in the second half last week, affecting their running game. If Bradford can take direct snaps, the Sooner running game should be more effective.
• Daniel's chance to make history. It should be an emotional night for the Missouri quarterback, who will leave with nearly every major passing record in school history. But he still doesn't have a Big 12 title to his credit, which he could produce tonight with a major effort.
• How long will the Sooners remain with untested starter Mike Balogun at middle linebacker? Balogun, who skipped playing high school football to make money for his family as a construction worker, will be making his first career start for the Sooners tonight. Coaches like his determination and moxie, but he's not schooled in the intricacies of pass coverage. That could be a huge liability covering Missouri tight end Chase Coffman. If Balogun should struggle early, look for Travis Lewis to switch from weakside linebacker to the middle with 230-pound safety Nic Harris taking his place.
• Can Missouri withstand an early Oklahoma assault? It will be important for Missouri to stay in the ballgame against an Oklahoma team that has steamrolled most opponents early in the game with their no-huddle attack. An early stop or two would give the Tigers some confidence and quickly bring what should be a pro-Missouri crowd into the game.
• How will Missouri's secondary hold up? Losing top cover cornerback Castine Bridges isn't a good sign. The Tigers will have to insert undersized senior Tru Vaughns into the lineup against Oklahoma's tall group of receivers. They'll have to combat that disadvantage, which is especially worrisome against Bradford, who averages 15.22 yards per completion and has nine completions this season for 50 yards or more.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

1. Oklahoma's hopes for a three-peat: Sure, they haven't lit the world up in BCS games in recent seasons. But Oklahoma and Bob Stoops are in their element in Big 12 championship games. The Sooners will be aiming for history Saturday night as they try for a record-breaking third straight conference title with a victory over Missouri. The Sooners' back-to-back title run in 2006 and '07 was a league first. Stoops is 5-1 in Big 12 championships games. No other league coach in history has won more than one Big 12 championship.

2. Sam Bradford finishes his Heisman bid: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will have the closing argument of the Heisman contenders as he plays in the final major game of the regular season before balloting ends next week. A big outing could put him over the top in a still too-close-to-call race with several other worthy challengers. Bradford should have an easier task against a leaky Missouri secondary in his bid to become the first quarterback in Big 12 history to win two conference championships.

3. Ex-construction worker Mike Balogun's first start: Oklahoma middle linebacker Mike Balogun's trek to the Big 12 title game sounds like a corny movie script. He skipped high school football to support his family by working and then bounced to junior college after winning his chance through a combine. Balogun ended up with the Sooners only because of some unexpected departures after last season. He's played only 20 snaps in his career, but will be forced into the starting lineup after Austin Box sustained a sprained knee last week against Oklahoma State. Oklahoma coaches like Balogun's hitting ability and instincts, but admit that he is raw in pass coverages. That could be an open invitation for heavy challenges from Missouri tight end Chase Coffman, the most prolific pass-catching tight end in FBS history.

4. Can Missouri turn around its Oklahoma jinx? The Sooners have dominated the series, winning 18 of the last 19 games between the two teams, including twice in the last 14 months. Stoops has never lost to the Tigers in six previous games and Missouri coach Gary Pinkel is 0-5 against the Sooners. Chase Daniel could cement his legacy as the greatest player in Missouri football history by summoning up an upset, leading the Tigers to their first Big 12 championship. But it won't be easy, particularly if the Tigers get caught up in the past.

5. Missouri's struggling secondary: The Tigers have labored all season in pass defense, ranking last in the conference and 116th nationally. And it won't be any easier for them against Oklahoma without starting cornerback Castine Bridges, who sustained a season-ending knee injury last week against Kansas. The departure of Bridges means that undersized senior Tru Vaughns will be making his first start against a smoldering Oklahoma offensive attack. Oklahoma will be looking to make history by becoming the first team in NCAA history to score 60 points in five straight games -- with a passing attack that leads the nation with 47 touchdown passes.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Oklahoma's dynasty under Bob Stoops wasn't built on fancy offensive attacks that rolled up yards and produced point-a-minute scoring totals.

At its very peak when the Sooners claimed the 2000 national title, Oklahoma had a solid offensive attack. But the Sooners' major claim to fame was a bruising defense that was seldom dented by opposing teams.

Players such as Rocky Calmus, Roy Williams, Torrance Marshall and Derrick Strait dotted the Sooners' roster back then. In those days, Oklahoma's means of stopping opponents was about as subtle as a roundhouse punch.

Those days appear to be long gone as the Sooners are struggling through the worst statistical defensive season of Stoops' 10-season coaching tenure. The Sooners have already allowed 298 points, more than in any season since 1997. And their 249.7 yards per game allowed through the air would be the worst mark in the school's records, which date to 1937.

Those figures have intensified scrutiny on a defense that has allowed at least 28 points in six of its last seven games heading into Saturday's championship game against Missouri.

The Tigers' chances will likely depend on getting into a shootout with the Sooners' explosive offense. Quarterback Chase Daniel keys an explosive attack that ranks fourth nationally in scoring and passing and sixth in total offense, which might give Missouri a chance to upset the Sooners.

And considering that third-string linebacker Mike Balogun will be making his first career start after playing only 20 snaps earlier this season, the Sooners' defense could have a weak link in the middle.

Such talk has caught the attention of the Sooners as they prepare for Saturday's game.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Oklahoma will go into the Big 12 Championship Game against Missouri with several key injuries, according to Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.

Quarterback Sam Bradford suffered torn ligaments on his non-throwing hand early in the Sooners' 61-41 victory over Oklahoma State Saturday night. It left him having to take his snaps from shotgun formations for most of the game last night because he couldn't adequately handle a direct snap from center Jon Cooper.

The injury really didn't appear to both Bradford too much, considering he directed Oklahoma on nine scoring drives to finish the game -- eight touchdowns and a field goal -- in the Sooners fourth-straight game with 60 or more points.

Of more pressing concern is the status of starting middle linebacker Austin Box, who will miss Saturday's game against the Tigers with a sprained left knee. Box was forced into the lineup after starting middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds was lost for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament against Texas on Oct. 11.

Box's injury means that third-stringer Mike Balogun, a heralded junior-college recruit who has had trouble earning much playing time, will be the starter against Missouri.

Balogun showed flashes of promise late in the Oklahoma State game on Saturday, making three tackles.

"He was pretty good," Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "It looked like he wanted to hit something to take some aggression out there on something when he was playing."

Stoops also said that English, the pre-season Big 12 defensive player of the year, is "possible" to return for the championship game. Since his departure in the Nov. 1 game against Nebraska, Frank Alexander and Jeremy Beal have played well as the Sooners' starting defensive ends.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma center Jon Cooper had a few choice words for reporters as he trudged up the walkway after his team's impressive performance to end the regular season.

"If 61 points isn't enough, I don't know what will be," Cooper said.

The Sooners made an eloquent case for their BCS worthiness down the stretch in their 61-41 victory over Oklahoma State. Oklahoma scored on its last eight possessions and even added a 28-yard touchdown run by Chris Brown with 25 seconds left to punctuate the scoring binge.

BCS style points?

Perhaps, although they did come at the end of a 557-yard effort in which the Sooners averaged 6.8 yards per snap.

That triumph pushed them into a three-way tie at 7-1 with Texas Tech and Texas in the Big 12 South Division. Oklahoma lost to Texas, which lost to Texas Tech, which lost to Oklahoma.

That conundrum will mean that the Big 12 will have to go to the fifth tiebreaker to determine which team will advance to Kansas City to play the championship game against Missouri next week.

The fate of the Big 12 now belongs to 114 voters, 64 coaches and six computers.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he expects to be preparing for Missouri in the championship game starting on Sunday.

"I think we have a really good chance," Stoops said. "We played the No. 2 team in the country and won by 44. We played the No. 12 team here tonight where nobody had beat them. Usually it's what you are doing at the end of the year. And we finished up pretty strong."

Some Texas fans wanted to remind Oklahoma fans of their earlier victory over the Sooners Oct. 11 in Dallas by flying over the stadium before and during the game with a banner that read "45-35 settled on a neutral field" prominently displayed.

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford noticed and wondered if the whole BCS process hasn't gotten to be too political.

"To me, that's a little ridiculous," Bradford said. "If it comes to that and doesn't happen on what happened on the football [field], maybe we might need to start looking into another direction."

In the most recent BCS standings, Texas is second behind Alabama and is only .0084 of a point ahead of the fourth-place Sooners.

It will now mean the voters will have to decide Sunday whether the Sooners' 20-point victory against their cross-state rivals -- their largest in Stillwater since 1994 -- was impressive enough to jump the Longhorns.

Texas can claim the earlier victory, but Oklahoma can respond with some convincing arguments since that game.

The Sooners are playing their best football of the season, scoring 60 points for the fourth straight game. They were the first team to beat No. 12 Oklahoma State in Stillwater all season.

Oklahoma appears to have the best nonconference victories with triumphs over Cincinnati -- which will make a BCS bowl game -- and TCU. Texas has the best cross-division victory with a convincing home thrashing of Missouri. And Texas Tech has the only victory over Texas, a last-second comeback triumph in Lubbock.

But Texas struggled against Oklahoma State at home last month, winning only after an interception on the last play of the game. And even though Texas provided a strong 49-9 victory over Texas A&M on Thursday night, the Sooners appear to be playing better over the final month of the season.

"All we can do is hope that all we've done over the last couple of weeks has been enough," Bradford said. "If those people looked at how we've done on the road, it does nothing but help our case we should be in Kansas City. It's out of our hands and all we can do is hope it's enough to get us there."

It did not take long for spin doctors from Texas and Texas Tech to send e-mails stating their case for why their team belongs in the BCS.

Texas coach Mack Brown took to the airwaves during the television broadcast to plead his case while the Sooners were playing in the second half.

And Stoops also took the bully pulpit to plead his team's case as well.

But the uncertainty of the voters and computers left Brown with an uneasy feeling as he prepared for what will be a long, restless wait until the results are announced Sunday afternoon.

"Our plans are to be playing in Kansas City, but it's left up to the guys behind the computers," Brown said. "We'll pray that the right thing happens."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Here are a few tidbits from across the conference heading into the games on Saturday.

1. The best sign for Texas in strong defensive performances has been the direct pressure the Longhorns have been producing without many blitzes. It's been a good sign for Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp that he hasn't had to gamble much in recent victories against Oklahoma and Missouri.
2. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel ripped into his team after his team's blowout loss at Texas and then continued the salvo the following day after it got back to Columbia. Of particular concern is the production for his defense that returned 10 starters and still dropped 41 places to 100th nationally after ranking 59th last season. Don't be surprised if defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus dials back on the number of blitzes and exotic stunts for a more conventional approach the rest of the season.
3. Texas A&M coaches say that quarterback Stephen McGee was about 80 percent recovered from his earlier shoulder injury when he was inserted into the Texas Tech game last week and couldn't have run with his typical abandon on option plays if it had been called for. They are hopeful that McGee will be close to 100 percent Saturday against Iowa State as Jerrod Johnson's backup.
4. Oklahoma's move of strong safety Nic Harris to middle linebacker was done merely to combat Kansas' aerial tendencies. Against more run-heavy remaining opponents like Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, don't be surprised if the Sooners use a more conventional approach that would include linebackers Mike Balogun and Austin Box in the middle.
5. Iowa State freshman cornerback Ter'ran Benton is expected to start with fellow freshman Leonard Johnson at cornerback against Texas A&M. Iowa State defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt told the Des Moines Register it's just the second time in his 30-season coaching career he's had a pair of freshman cornerbacks start for him.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

The season finally arrives tonight in the Big 12 and not a moment too soon.

A rare chance in the spotlight will be provided tonight for South Division basement dweller Baylor and their counterparts from the North, Iowa State.

Baylor will kick off the season with a difficult matchup against No. 23 Wake Forest tonight in Waco. The game is interesting for a several reasons. Art Briles will start his coaching career at Baylor after leading Houston to four bowl appearances in the last five seasons. Both schools are Baptist-affiliated. And Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe was a finalist for the Baylor job when the Bears hired Guy Morriss back in 2002.

The Demon Deacons have shown that football transformations are possible, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference two seasons ago and making another bowl trip last season for the first back-to-back postseason appearances in school history. Baylor is only dreaming about that kind of success.

And Iowa State will start the season against Division I-AA South Dakota State in a game where coach Gene Chizik will play with 27 freshmen and sophomores in his two-deep roster. Included among those are sophomore quarterbacks Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates, who both will receive snaps tonight against the Jackrabbits.   

I can't wait for the start of the season -- even if it means a three-hour drive to Waco this afternoon to get to Floyd Casey Stadium. But I actually think the journey along Interstate 35 will go by quickly because of my anticipation and the new Jimmy Buffett CD that my wife got me for our anniversary.    

So until then, here are some morning links to satisfy your hunger pangs before kickoff.

• Briles is looking to become the first football coach since 1993 to win his first game at the school. Chuck Reedy was the last Baylor coach to win his first game, stunning No. 25 Fresno State, 42-39.
• Former Miami QB Kirby Freeman has seen the transformation in the Wake Forest program after notching a 47-17 victory over the Demon Deacons as a freshman in 2005. "They've come a long way since then," Freeman told the Waco Tribune-Herald.  "I saw some of those guys three years ago and now they're seniors. They're a mature football team and won't be rattled."
• Iowa State coaches are bracing for a big change as they try to keep up with the new 40-second clock in the Cyclones' opener tonight against South Dakota State. "You've got to stay a play ahead," Iowa State defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt told the Des Moines Register. "It's going to be interesting to see what happens. It's a different game."
• Revelers at Kansas' Memorial Stadium will pay $20 per car this season for a parking space in a tailgate-friendly area that had been free last season, the Lawrence Journal-World reports.
• Lincoln Journal-Star reporter Brian Christopherson writes about the career gamble that Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini took five years ago to transition from being a successful high school coach into one who now is working in college football.
• Former Nebraska standout WR Irving Fryar will be on the sidelines for Western Michigan's game with his old school. But Fryar will be on the opposing sideline, watching his son, CB Londen Fryar play with the Broncos. "I took a DVD [of Londen playing high school football] and put it in the hand of Coach [Bill] Callahan," Irving told the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette. "I never got a call. ... I was very disappointed with the way Coach Callahan handled that."
• The Dallas Morning News releases its innovative college football preview, complete with a picture of Dallas-area standouts Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell of Texas Tech. The picture must have been taken early, because Harrell still shows the remnants of his early-summer Mohawk.
• The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Jimmy Burch writes about what to expect and not expect around the Big 12 this season.
• Texas coach Mack Brown got to practice on his 57th birthday Wednesday -- and the chance to visit with media members again.
• Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News writes that the NFL could be in Texas A&M QB Stephen McGee's future.
• Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman writes about the transformation of Oklahoma LB Mike Balogun from a construction worker who didn't play his junior or senior years in high school to a college football player. Interesting story indeed.
• Tom Shatel of the Omaha World Herald has an interesting take on Bo Pelini's emerging legendary status at Nebraska -- even before starting his first full season directing the Cornhuskers.
• Take a look at the Omaha World Herald's video version of "Big Red Today" with analysis by their army of reporters who cover the Cornhuskers. It's the best video production by a newspaper I've seen.
• Missouri's experienced defense is giving them a chance to attack offenses with a combination of line shifts, zone blitzes and innovative coverage schemes, Columbia Daily Tribune beat writer Dave Matter writes.
• Colorado WR Josh Smith has some big plans -- hoping for his own clothing line "Josh Fly" and shoe line "PF Fly's" and a record deal. But his biggest immediate aim is to score his first touchdown for the Buffaloes.
• The Oklahoman's Berry Tramel writes about Oklahoma State's intention to live up to its "Finish" slogan after struggling in several fourth-quarter meltdowns last season.
• Kansas State's defense has made its primary focus attacking the spread offense with speed, Wichita Eagle/Kansas City Star reporter Jeffrey Martin writes.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

	Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
	All-Big 12 defensive end Auston English is just one of several Sooners on the mend.

Coaches try to get through training camp without many distractions, hoping to prepare their teams with a relatively stable roster heading into the upcoming season.

But it's not always easy. Ask Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, whose team has been dinged a couple of times in recent weeks to create a few questions about the Sooners' defense.

The misfortune started before training camp when returning All-Big 12 defensive end Auston English was idled after his appendix was removed. Although he's expected to return before the season begins, his conditioning will suffer because of the injury. It's anybody's guess how long it will take him to return to peak shape as the Sooners' top pass-rushing threat.

The Sooners suffered another hit when weakside linebacker Austin Box suffered a knee injury in practice and underwent arthroscopic surgery that will keep him out of action for at least the first game and perhaps longer.

His departure has opened a position for 25-year-old Mike Balogun, a converted construction worker who spent his junior and senior seasons in high school working to help his family make ends meet. After blossoming at junior college, he's now running as the Sooners' first-string linebacker with Box out of the lineup.

Balogun's story is a good one. But it doesn't necessarily promise better production for a Sooner linebacking corps that already was disappointing Sooner defensive coordinator Brent Venables before Box's injury.

How much you might ask? When asked what he thought about his linebackers' development, Venables had a graphic answer: "I'm not ready to puke yet."

If Venables was sick about that, you can imagine how he feels about the decline of defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger, who once was thought to be one of the most talented Oklahoma players.

Granger was caught shoplifting at last year's Fiesta Bowl, suspended and then sent home on a bus before the game. Scouts have raved about his talent, but griped about his conditioning and lack of consistency.

Granger got in the Sooner coaches' doghouse at the start of training camp when he reported overweight. He's been stuck on the second team ever since.

The loss or decline of any of these players wouldn't be catastrophic. But collectively, they might start triggering some questions about an Oklahoma defense that already lost key playmakers such as Reggie Smith and Curtis Lofton from last year.

Is it enough to let a team like Missouri, Texas Tech or Texas come closer to challenging the Sooners' hopes for a record-breaking three-peat of Big 12 titles?

We don't know yet. But it isn't a good sign for Bob Stoops during the dog days of August.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

New Nebraska coach Bo Pelini's attitude is all about swagger. But it's hard to build that kind of confidence playing some of the weak sisters that will dot his future nonconference schedules.

It seems that Pelini isn't exactly excited about the schedule he inherited from former athletic director Steve Pederson and former coach Bill Callahan.

Nebraska assistant athletic director for football Jeff Jamrog told the Omaha World-Herald that he's actively seeking upcoming games -- and only against Division I opponents.

The Cornhuskers will be playing Florida Atlantic, Louisiana-Lafayette and Arkansas State next season, and Western Kentucky, Idaho and Football Championship Subdivision power South Dakota State in 2010.

"It looks like they wanted to schedule a bunch of wins," Jamrog said. "We can't do anything about it. We can't do anything about the guarantees that were set, unless you want to cancel the contracts. But we aren't interested in doing that."

Pelini is in favor of taking on all comers in the future.

"That's what the fans want to see," Pelini said. "That's the shame of the BCS. Fans aren't seeing the games they used to see in September. We want to play those games. I don't want to shy away from anyone."

Assuredly, this is very refreshing attitude for a new football coaching staff to have. But something tells me that Pelini will prefer his schedule of Western Michigan, New Mexico State and San Jose State this season before facing Virginia Tech than if he had switched to a tougher one.

Hope that Pelini is up to the challenge of tackling a few morning links, too.

• Versatile WR Quan Cosby has had to argue to convince Texas coach Mack Brown to use him as a punt returner in the past. But his role looks assured heading into this season.
• Converted QB Jeremy Sanders has thrived at his new position at RB, Waco Tribune-Herald reporter John Werner writes.
• Colorado LB Jon Major, one of the top two in-state recruits for Colorado last season, has been lost for the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament.
• One of the real treats of covering the Big 12 each week is Kansas City Star beat writer Mike DeArmond's priceless Vlog from Missouri's camp. But how come I always think of "Sex, Lies and Videotape" when I watch his sometimes brutal weekly assessments of the Tigers?
• Kansas State DE Ian Campbell is back at his original position after an abortive stab at linebacker last season. I wonder what took KSU coaches so long to move him back, comparing his performance last season to the previous one.
• Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell showed quick dexterity with the new clock rules, running a no-huddle offense during all of his snaps in the Red Raiders' first scrimmage. Harrell needed only 14 plays to produce three 60-yard scoring drives, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported.
• Converted RB Cody Glenn is getting a few extra tips in his conversion to linebacker from a long-lost relative, legendary former Nebraska LB Broderick "The Sandman" Thomas.
• Joe Kines, a 64-year-old coaching veteran with 40 years of experience, is facing an ultimate challenge of trying to resuscitate Texas A&M's "Wrecking Crew" defense, Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News reports. 
• It seems Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is a big fan of the Olympics. "All of them, I like watching all of it," Stoops told the Oklahoman.  "What's so neat about it is you get that one moment to be at your best. That's what I love about boxing as well. You get that one shot. And if you happen to have over-trained, or you don't hit it just right..." Sounds a bit like playing in a bowl game, doesn't it?
• Oklahoma State WR Jeremy Broadway appears to be making the most of his last chance with the Cowboys after his suspension last November.
• Tulsa World reporter John Hoover wonders if Oklahoma WR Juaquin Iglesias is the most underappreciated player in the Sooners' football history. Hoover's statistics make a good case.
• Veteran Nebraska offensive line coach Barney Cotton told Lincoln Journal-Star that his current group might be the deepest in talent he's ever coached.
• Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News profiles Oklahoma's defense. Buried deep in the story is the quote of the day from Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who isn't exactly enthusiastic about the development of his young linebacking corps. I'm not ready to puke yet," Venables said.
• Tulsa World columnist Dave Sittler said Kansas' rapid ascension last year is providing hope to Oklahoma State players. "After what Kansas did last year, everybody realizes just how close the Big 12 [race] is and no games are given to you anymore," Oklahoma LB/S Andre Sexton said. "We're pretty much in the same situation now as they [the Jayhawks] were in last season."
• Construction-worker-turned OLB Mike Balogun has been thrust into the mix as Oklahoma scrambles for a replacement for injured Austin Box.
• If new Troy WR Josh Jarboe is declared immediately eligible at Troy, he still might play in the state of Oklahoma this season. The Trojans will face Oklahoma State Sept. 27 in Stillwater.
• Tom Timmerman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch breaks down the battle to replace Tony Temple in the Missouri backfield. Sophomore Derrick Washington from the strangely-named hometown of Peculiar, Mo., appears to have nailed down the starting job -- mainly because of his receiving skills. "
• 5-foot-6 freshman RB Rodney Stewart is t
  urning heads at Colorado's practice -- despite his diminutive size and the presence of heralded RB Darrell Scott in the Buffaloes' camp. And along with fellow freshman Ray Polk, all apparently will receive playing time this season.