A lot to discuss … after

John Shinn
The Norman Transcript

November 19, 2008 12:59 am

— Oklahoma’s best shot at reaching the Big 12 championship game is chained to being ranked ahead of Texas in the BCS rankings at the end of the regular season. The Longhorns are currently No. 4 and the Sooners No. 5.
Stoops started laying out his rationale for why the Sooners should be ahead of Texas, which beat OU 45-35 this season, if it is able to beat No. 2 Texas Tech Saturday and No. 11 Oklahoma State Nov. 29.
The Red Raiders can clinch the South division with a victory over the Sooners. An OU win creates a three-way tie with it, Texas and Texas Tech all at 7-1. In that case, the highest ranked BCS team would get the nod.
“If we’re able to win then you know what the discussions are. If Tech is able to win, then there’s no argument there either. So, in the end, there’s a lot to discuss after that game on Saturday, then we have another one with Oklahoma State,” Stoops said. “The arguments would seem logical, if we can beat Tech then we should be ranked above Texas and Tech should be above Texas, too.”
Manny mending
Wide receiver Manny Johnson has played sparingly since the Kansas game due to a dislocated left elbow. The senior only has one catch in the last two games. Tuesday he said his elbow is about 75 percent, but his biggest issue has been the brace he has to wear on his left arm.
“It makes things difficult and it’s hard getting used to,” he said. “But I’m getting better.”
Try it again
OU’s kickoff coverage team, which has allowed three returns for touchdowns this season, went under the microscope during the Sooners’ off-week. Stoops said he saw improvement
“Well, we’ve worked on it every day for the last two weeks. They look good in practice,” he said.
OU is currently 108th in the nation in kick coverage, giving up 25.63 yards per return.
Take the ride
With two of the best offenses in the Big 12 and college football getting ready to meet Saturday, most figure a ton of points will be scored. You can count OU running back DeMarco Murray in that group.
“We are going to have to put up points and they’re going to have to put up points,” he said. “Both teams are going to have success and it’ll be like a roller coaster, and we’re going to have to stay focused.”
Excitement building
Saturday’s game will mark the first at Owen Field featuring two top 5 teams since the 2000 Nebraska game. OU quarterback Sam Bradford said you can tell it hasn’t been the typical week. There’s a buzz building around campus.
“In class talking to my friends, just talking to people, everyone here is excited for this game,” Bradford said.

— John Shinn