Published: October 10, 2007 12:36 am            

Chasing Daniel a real concern

Defensive theory is simple. Make a team one dimensional and everything else falls into place.

“If they can’t do both then we have the advantage,” OU safety Nic Harris said.

But what do you do with a player like Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel? Which dimension do you take away?

The obvious answer is the run. But that’s easier said than done. Against most teams that means clogging up running lanes and holding running backs in check.

OU will try to do those things against the Tigers, but it might not be enough.

Daniel adds an element not present most Saturdays. Throwing for an average of 342 yards a game and three touchdowns per game puts him in an elite class of Big 12 quarterbacks.

He’s helped turn the Tigers into one of the best passing offenses in the Big 12 Conference.

Averaging over 4 yards per carry raises him to another level.

“He’s a different kind of player,” OU defensive end Auston English said. “He makes a lot more plays with his feet than you normally see with a quarterback.”

Daniel is certainly no secret around the Big 12. He threw for 274 yards and ran for another 70 against the Sooners last season.

He’s picked right up where he left off.

Last week against Nebraska, the junior from Southlake, Texas, riddled the Huskers for four touchdown passes and rushing for another 72 yards.

Missouri, with good reason, is actively promoting Daniel for Heisman Trophy consideration. His performance against Nebraska vaulted him into the national spotlight. The light will be even brighter this week.

“It’s great recognition, but it’s not even halfway through the season. I had one good game, so what?” Daniel said. “It’s putting those great games and strings back-to-back. This is what we strive for here at Missouri and it’s great recognition for the team.”

Missouri is a team searching for that respect. They’ve already beaten No. 18 Illinois and the Huskers. But beating the Sooners would solidify the Tigers as a power team in the Big 12, putting them into the national championship race.

Daniel is the kind of quarterback that gives Missouri a chance to reach that level.

“A lot of quarterbacks, and I’ve had some good ones, get pretty nervous on gameday. He’s not like that,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “He prepares well, and he just loves to play quarterback. I know there’s a lot of good quarterbacks in this country, but he’s got to be one of the top. I’ve been around some good quarterbacks, and he’s the best I’ve ever been around.”

OU coach Bob Stoops said the Missouri coach isn’t blowing smoke.

“He’s really a good player. No question,” he said. “He has a great feel for that offense and distributing and throwing the ball in all the different holes he’s looking for. He’s a powerful guy in that if he doesn’t like what he sees, he can scramble. He’s got good feet and he’s thick enough that you’ve really got to get a good hold of him to get him down.”

It could make for a frustrating night when the sixth-ranked Sooners (5-1, 1-1 Big 12) face the 11th-ranked Tigers (5-0, 1-0) at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Owen Field.

Daniel’s play will be the key to success or failure for OU defensively.

Their last encounter was a struggle in terms of yards, but the Sooners bailed themselves out with three interceptions and recovering a fumble.

“Last year they had a great offense and this year they’re even better,” OU defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. “He likes to move around so we’re going to have to contain him.”

Every team the Tigers play goes into a game with that goal. They’ve all tried. Most have failed.

John Shinn

366-3536

jshinn@normantranscript.com

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.