J.R.’s 7 Points to Ponder: Nebraska

1. Its Oklahoma vs. Nebraska. For those who are from my generation, or older, that’s all that needs to be said. Admittedly, since 1996 when the Big 12 Conference was formed and two divisions were created the game has lost some luster. Nonetheless, it is still the Sooners traveling to Lincoln to play the Huskers on National TV….and Thanksgiving weekend comes early! Ah, the memories.
 
2. Defensive Tackles. When is the last time we heard so much talk about two future, NFL, multi millionaire defensive tackles playing against each other?  While both wear #93, Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh is now at the very top of ESPN’s Mel “Helmet Hair” Kiper’s NFL Draft Big Board while Gerald McCoy is sitting at #3. OU coaches are also very impressed with Suh’s partner in crime, 6’6”-285 pound Jared Crick who had 13 tackles last week with 5 sacks. Same can be said for OU’s #86 Adrian Taylor who is also playing excellent football.  How OU’s interior, offensive line trio of Eldridge, Habern and Good deal with Nebraska’s defensive tackles will be a major factor in the outcome of this game. The Huskers usually rush the QB with 4 people which makes one assume that Nebraska will throw something different at OU QB Landry Jones come Saturday night.    
 
3. The Pelini Brothers. Youngstown, Ohio…..Cardinal Mooney High School…..defensive minded…..competitive… motivators. All the elements are in place for just a little extra “sauce on the brisket” for the Pelini’s who grew up with the Stoops’ family. I expect Bo and Carl Pelini to throw the kitchen sink and anything else that isn’t nailed down at OU’s redshirt freshman quarterback and the Sooners’ maligned offensive line. However, that theory works both ways. Nonetheless this perceived, personal rivalry will still boil down to whose team makes the fewest turnovers and which team is the most physical. When kick-off occurs, Youngstown will be in the rear view mirror.
 
4. The Sooners would greatly benefit with a fast, offensive start ala K-State last week. In 2008 in Norman vs. the Huskers, OU had 4 touchdowns in the first 5:33 of the game. None of us should realistically expect those results Saturday night but converting on all opportunities in the red zone is crucial especially for a game that I feel won’t be decided until the 4th quarter. The Sooners keeping Nebraska fans “out of the game” is obviously important as the Huskers attempt to NOT lose three straight home games for the first time since 1968. Kicker Tress Way’s big, left leg could well be a significant factor in this Big 12 battle of strong defenses as both squads will look to capitalize on field position. By the way, when is the last time the Sooners won a game with a field goal? I’ll take that right now, how about you?
 
5. Holes vs. Seams. Consistently creating holes in the stout, Nebraska defensive front will be challenging but the Sooners can still find success running the football in the seams. Running back Demarco Murray has practiced this week and #7’s presence either at running back or in the slot puts another “must account for” playmaker on the field. Having Ryan Broyles, Chris Brown, Demarco Murray, and the emerging Dejuan Miller on the field at the same time helps OU as long as QB Jones has the time to get them the ball. I’m still an advocate that opposing defenses rarely game plan to account for our QB carrying the ball and against an aggressive defensive front such as Nebraska’s one could visualize a timely quarterback draw working. Count on Nebraska’s QB running the QB draw, the option, etc as running/mobile QB’s have been problematic for Oklahoma this season. 
 
6. Tempo.  Last year Nebraska had issues with the Sooners’ offensive tempo of the game. The game officials quickly spotting the ball has a great deal to do with how fast OU play. OU playing “fast” is another key to this game as playing at an accelerated pace doesn’t facilitate the Huskers being able to substitute their defensive personnel groupings as they would ideally choose to do plus it helps in wearing down the NU defensive line. It doesn’t seem as if we have seen the Sooners play as fast as they would ideally like on offense and being able to do so Saturday night will help OU win a key game with upgraded, Bowl implications and still the “outside” chance of a Big 12 South title…..yeah I know the odds are long but one should never stop believing in Oklahoma.    
 
7. Sooner Defense. After a mid-game malaise against K-State, one can expect the Sooners defense to be back in rhythm with the potential to dominate this game. From under my black hat,  the bottom line is playing at Nebraska with the Huskers desperate to not lose 3 straight home games and fighting to stay in the hunt for the Big 12 North Title, OU’s defense needs consistent, three and out’s, a turnover or two, and to get the Sooner offense as many opportunities as possible. A nasty, stingy defense and a sound kicking game are the keys to winning road games especially on a Saturday night in football crazed Lincoln, Nebraska.    
 
The experts have OU favored by 5. I feel the Sooners win a defensive minded Slobber Knocker by 3.   
 
Boomer Sooner and eat more “BBQ!”
J.R.

Editor's Note:  Jim “J.R.” Ross is a WWE Hall of Fame broadcaster who has also broadcast in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and the XFL on NBC and spent 20 seasons as a football official. J.R., with wife Jan, has penned two, best selling cookbooks and is the owner of J.R.’s Family BBQ in Norman. J.R.’s slow, hickory smoked “Q” is nationally known and located on the East side of I-35 at the Main Street Exit (109) in Norman and is open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. For tail gate packs, to go orders, catering, or any other info, call 405-360-4BBQ (4227).