Mike Balogun to start for OU in BCS title game

By Jake Trotter - Staff Writer Comments 13
Published: January 6, 2009

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said after Tuesday’s practice that Mike Balogun will start at middle linebacker over Austin Box, who’s returning from a knee sprain.

Venables said Box would play, but he said how much would depend a lot on how Balogun performs.

Box said Tuesday he feels 100 percent and is ready to go.

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LET'S GET IT ON, BABY!!!! WHOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!! BOOMER SOONER!!!!

Ken, Boise - Jan 7, 2009 at 4:43 pm

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I can't wait to see Gresham steamroll thier little speedy D-backs.

Jeremy, Krum - Jan 7, 2009 at 4:29 pm

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It's a repeat of the 2000 championship game. All the doubters insulting OU. We have excellent athletes. The defense is young but they looked good against TT, OSU, and MU. They are even more experienced after a month to prepare. Facing UF's running offense will be a strength for OU's defense.
28 hours to go.

mark, oklahoma city - Jan 7, 2009 at 3:12 pm

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I think I am getting an ulcer, waiting on the game and reading all the negative talk on OU by ESPN/Fox. I hope the Sooners can shut them up!!

Douglas, Yukon - Jan 7, 2009 at 2:21 pm

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I think I am getting an ulcer, waiting on the game and reading all the negative talk on OU by ESPN/Fox. I hope the Sooners can shut them up!!

Douglas, Yukon - Jan 7, 2009 at 2:21 pm

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Balogun looked pretty good in the games he played. I'm not sure that if he got more time
he would be a better fit at that position than box because of his speed. he's got good
street cred.

jo, edmond - Jan 7, 2009 at 9:49 am

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Tommorrow night cant get here quick enough....OoooooooUuu!!!!

GAME ON SOONERS!!!!!

MICHAEL, Dallas - Jan 7, 2009 at 9:14 am

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UF does have some good RB's and they like to hit quick slants in the passing game. The LB's have their work cut out for them.

matt, Moore - Jan 7, 2009 at 9:01 am

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I thought Balogun played good when he got in. He is physically solid and it looked as if he hit hard, like Lofton. He's who OU wants to tag Tebow. If I were the coaches, I'd only assign Balogun to spy Tebow and hit him hard at every chance. Sounds like Travis Lewis wants a piece too.

bob, anadarko - Jan 7, 2009 at 8:28 am

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I'm sure Box will see many more snaps than Balogun, kid reminds me of Bill Bates. ALWAYS where the ball is!

Todd, Casa Grande - Jan 6, 2009 at 7:40 pm

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BIG Balogun is gonna lay teboy out just like weinke got from Torrence Marshall. BOOMER! here comes #8!

J, Crowder - Jan 6, 2009 at 6:32 pm

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Scary situation... OU has to dominate at the linebacker position. Tebow will run it at them all night.

Jess, Warr Acres - Jan 6, 2009 at 6:07 pm

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Balogun looked good during the time he was in during the OSU and Missouri games. Where was he when Reynolds got hurt? And what happened to Crow (sp)? I hope the defense is ready to play lights out against the Gators. Linebacker play will be critical to stop the short passing game and support the run defense. It is a tough job. GO SOONERS!!! BEAT FLORIDA!!!

William, Fairfield - Jan 6, 2009 at 5:40 pm

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