What’s a little competition among friends?

Apparently, it’s everything to Oklahoma’s linebackers.

Each Monday, strongside linebacker Clint Ingram, middle linebacker Zach Latimer and weakside linebacker Rufus Alexander add up the statistics from the previous game. Each is hoping to have one-upped the other two.

Tackles, turnovers, sacks.

You name it and the trio is keeping track.

Why all the interest in statistics?

“Competition will make you go a little bit harder,” Alexander said. “Beating your friends is always a good accomplishment.”

And the friendly competition is helping the Sooners come Saturday. Alexander is the team leader with 53 tackles and Latimer close behind with 46. Ingram has 28, fourth most on the team.

Those are numbers Alexander is quick to point out when reminded about Ingram’s team-leading three interceptions.

“He’s two up on me and I’m going to try to get him,” he said.

He’ll get his chance at 6 tonight when OU (3-3, 2-1 Big 12) faces Baylor (4-2, 1-2) at Owen Field.

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables, also the position coach for the linebackers, doesn’t mind the competition one bit. He loves the idea that each is trying to out-do the other. And why not? All three are willing to do the hard work, on the practice field and in the film room, to get any kind of an edge.

“They’ve done a good job of knowing what’s coming in what situation, particularly with Zach and Clint,” he said. “Rufus has always had it. But the other two have learned how to be students in that regard and take a lot of pride in it.”

For Ingram and Alexander, the process began last season, starting the entire season at the strongside and weakside linebacker spots.

Both put up good numbers, but more than anything else, brought an infectious energy their teammates seem to feed off.