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October 28, 2005

Parity leaves OU's season uncertain

By Bruce Campbell Commentary



Who would have thought Oklahoma and Nebraska would ever play a game in which neither is ranked?

Of course, who ever thought OU would celebrate a double-overtime victory over Baylor?

Times have changed in the Big 12. Texas is the only truly dominant team in the conference. Baylor, the one-time doormat, is competitive. Reverse overtime losses to OU and Texas A--M, and the Bears would be 6-1 and headed for a bowl.

Outside of Texas, parity has hit the Big 12. That's evident by all the overtime games. Iowa State has overtime losses to Nebraska and Missouri. Texas Tech proved human in a 52-17 loss to the Longhorns.

OU has a shot to finish 8-3. The Sooners, though, have an equal chance, or better, to finish 5-6. The next three games (Nebraska, Texas A--M and Texas Tech) will be tight fits. Don't be surprised if Oklahoma State plays its best game of the year against OU.

The Nebraska game should give the Sooners an idea of where they will spend December. A win over the 'Huskers would give OU a shot at the Alamo Bowl. A loss may have the Sooners checking out the Independence Bowl or staying home.

The Sooners should be able to move the ball on Nebraska, but they can't afford to repeat the little mistakes that almost proved fatal against Baylor. It will be interesting to see how redshirt freshman Rhett Bomar handles the most hostile crowd he'll see this season.

Nebraska's offense, with Norman native Zac Taylor at quarterback, will be a challenge for the Sooners' secondary, which has broken down at inopportune times. OU will need a pass rush.

While this game won't have the implications it has in the past, it will be important for the direction of both teams. A Nebraska win would give the 'Huskers some needed credibility. An OU win would give the Sooners confidence to finish the season.



Campbell is a News -- Eagle sports writer.



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