In the Big 12, there’s a major match up between the 18th ranked Oklahoma Sooners (6- 2) and the 22nd ranked Texas A & M Aggies (8- 1). Presently, the surprising Aggies are 4- 1 and in second place in the Big 12 South, with Texas in the number one position. The Sooners are right behind their opponents of the day with a 3- 1 conference grade.
But in college football, wins and loses can be extremely deceiving. Texas A & M has only played one nationally ranked team up to this point– #19 Missouri, which they beat 25- 19. They’ve hammered much weaker teams but had difficulty against a weak Army club, winning 28- 24 and Oklahoma State 34- 33. Their one loss was to Texas Tech, the last place team in the Big 12’s South Division.
Oklahoma has played three nationally ranked teams thus far, going 2- 1. They lost a tight one to 18th ranked Oregon, 34-33 and later were soundly beaten by # 7 Texas 28- 10. Last week the Sooners beat #23 Missouri by a score of 26- 10. Overall, Oklahoma has played a tougher schedule than Texas A & M.
The odds makers have visiting Oklahoma as either 2.5 or 3-point favorites. These two teams are very close statistically on both offense and defense, although the Aggies hold an edge on offense and Oklahoma holds the margin on “D.� A & M has scored an average of 33.0 PPG, while Oklahoma has put up 30.6 PPG. The Aggies have the 7th ranked running game in the nation. But they are going up against a tough, point-scoring defense. In their last 5 games, the Sooners’ defense has allowed only an average of 10 PPG and 77 rushing yards per game. Against last week’s opponent Missouri, they forced 4 turnovers.
The Sooners have also adapted well to adversity. With the loss of star RB and Heisman Trophy candidate Adrian Peterson a few weeks ago, Allen Patrick stepped up and rambled for 157 yards against Missouri.
Look for this to be a ground grinder, with the Aggies going to the pass more often than the Sooners. Oklahoma has one of the best defensive lines and linebacking units in the game, and they should create havoc in the A & M backfield. The Aggies defensive front line has been giving up 4.1 yards per carry. Oklahoma will try to exploit this stat. If the Sooners can control ball possession with a solid ground attack and their “D� plays their typical game, the victory will go to the Sooners.
Tonight’s game is at 8 pm on ABC.
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