Nebraska vs. Oklahoma Q & A (part 1)

November 5, 9:52 PMNebraska Cornhuskers ExaminerTrent Gierhan

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Bryan expects Oklahoma Sooner wide receiver/tight end
DeJuan Miller (24) to have another impressive week.
(AP Photo/Sue Orgrocki)
 

With Nebraska's highly anticipated match up with Oklahoma quickly approaching, I asked Oklahoma Sooners Examiner Bryan Waters a few questions about what the Huskers can expected for the Sooners this weekend. Also checkout Bryan's preview for Saturday's game in Lincoln.

This season obviously hasn't panned out like the Sooners expected. That being said what's the mentality of the team and it's fans for the rest of the year?
 
You are right.  A BCS title was on everybody's mind.  Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham were returning.  An experienced defense was a year older.  It seemed
like money in the bank.
 
Like financial markets, maybe there was a little too much speculation.  Especially when it came to the offensive line.  In the shadow of four new starters on the OL,
first Gresham, then Bradford, went down.  The close loss to BYU wasn't an end-all disaster.  The team's mentality remained focused, especially after two convincing
shutouts.  Then came the agonizing loss to Miami.  So close, so conservative, so many small plays not made.  The Sooners' BCS chances died that night.
 
Then Bradford came back against Baylor, and the offense clicked.  Did you see Oklahoma, on its first possession, march right down the field against Texas?  I think
OU would have beaten Texas by four touchdowns if Bradford hadn't gone down.  But he did.  And again, OU lost another tight game.
 
Now have come two wins against Kansas and Kansas State, respectively.  QB Landry Jones is now the guy.  I've said it before, and will keep saying it until my eyes
see differently: Oklahoma isn't just the best 5-3 team in college football this year.  They're the best 5-3 team in college football history.  Not even close. 
 
The mentality of the team remains steadfast.  No quitting, no self-pity.  Some fans have jumped ship since the BCS title is now at least a year away.    I surmise that
the team and the fans see talent and promise of a national championship-caliber future.
 
How well do you anticipate Landry Jones performing in what is arguably the most hostile environment he will face this season?
 
It's basic.  His OL will have to protect.  Nebraska has the best front four OU has seen or will see.  I don't see Jones panicking if he gets pressure.  But pressure will
diminish his effectiveness.
 
What will be the key to Oklahoma moving the ball against one of the better defenses in the country?
 
Protection, protection, protection.  That's first.  Second, Sooner Nation would love to see Oklahoma become less conservative on offense.  The Sooners almost
always try to keep a 50-50 balance of runs and passes on first downs.  Against Nebraska, what would be so wrong with 75-25 pass plays?
 
Which Sooner do you anticipate having the biggest impact on Saturday?
 
TE/WR DeJuan Miller.  This is the second consecutive week I've predicted Miller to be the key.  Last week I was dead-on.  He had a career day against Kansas State
with nine catches and 94 yards.  Look for him to go over the middle more, especially when the Cornhuskers may be looking for the run.
 
What would you say is Oklahoma's biggest obstacle for pulling out a victory in Lincoln?  Prediction?
 
The biggest obstacle will be the same biggest obstacle Oklahoma has overcome only twice in the past four years: Winning a tight game.  The defense will keep it
close.  Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops changed placekickers two weeks ago.  In came Tress Way, out went Jimmy Stevens.  That move will pay off Saturday:
Oklahoma 16, Nebraska 14.