January 6, 2009

National Championship Preview: Oklahoma


Oklahoma didn't get to the national championship game easily.

First they were blown out in last years Fiesta Bowl by West Virginia. Eventually this year they eventually rose up to the number one ranking only to lose to Texas. And thankfully for them a lose to Texas Tech by Texas secured their spot as once again the number one ranked team in the nation. Which came with controversy.

It doesn't matter now, who should be in the game or not. Oklahoma meets Florida in Miami on Thursday for the national championship.

After the loss to Texas, Oklahoma's offense really started to pick up steam. They scored 60 points in their last 5 games and was only held twice to under 40 points. The only teams to hold them to under 40 points was Texas and TCU.

Sam Bradford won the Heisman because he threw for over 4,000 yards and 48 touchdowns. He was only picked off 6 times and sacked 9 times. But there where other players that contributed to his success.

Player to watch: Chris Brown, RB With DeMarco Murray sitting out of the game because of an injury, Brown will have to step up. No problem. Brown rushed for 1,100 yards and 20 touchdowns. While the Sooners will miss Murray, Brown is enough to keep the Gators on their heels.

Impact Player: Jermaine Gresham, TE Gresham is a big tight end who has created miss match's because of his size and speed. He knows how to get open and break tackles. He caught the most touchdowns (12) and was always Bradford's emergency target when no one else was available.

Can the Oklahoma Defense Stop Florida? This is the million dollar question. Right now, I would have to say no. The Oklahoma defense allowed 14 points to one of the worst teams in the country in Washington. They routinely gave up more than 20 points in games and even allowed two 40 point games. Their defense was ravaged by injuries, many players they could use to stop Tim Tebow.

Key for Oklahoma to win the National Championship: Getting pressure on Tim Tebow. Tebow was sacked 15 times all year long. Gerald McCoy needs to pressure Tebow all game long, for the linebackers don't have to rush the quarterback and sit back in coverage.

Tomorrow: Florida preview

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