Quarterback Chase Daniel and the offense may be getting the headlines.
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But Missouri nose guard Lorenzo Williams and the defense are big reasons why the Tigers are undefeated.
The 6-foot-1, 295-pound Williams, who attended Midwest City High School, was tied for 10th on Missouri's career sack list coming into this season.
In a 41-6 win over Nebraska last week, Williams and the Missouri defensive line held the Big 12's leading rusher, Marlon Lucky, to 67 yards on the ground. This year, Williams has two sacks.
•More Maclin: Missouri receiver and all-purpose running back Jeremy Maclin is just a redshirt freshman. But OU coaches all week have been raving about Maclin's talent, especially defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
"He's big time,” said Venables, who thinks Maclin will be an NFL first round draft pick someday.
Maclin, who is averaging 10.9 yards per carry mostly from reverses, could get some action at running back against the Sooners if starter Tony Templecontinues to be hobbled by an ankle injury.
•Line play: OU offensive line coach James Patton was pleased with how the line rebounded against Texas following a lackluster performance at Colorado.
"We played more physical,” Patton said
"I was still disappointed with (how we doubled-teamed their defensive tackles). UT was fast and they had guys flying through there.”
Patton was encouraged with his unit's run blocking in the second half, springing DeMarco Murray for more than 100 yards rushing after halftime.
Said Patton, "With our running backs, all we have to do is give those guys some room to run, because they're good.”
•All-American kid: OU left offensive tackle Phil Loadholt has been named a mid-season first-team All-American by SportsIllustrated.com. Defensive end Auston English, who leads the Sooners with six sacks, made the second team.
By Jake Trotter
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