"Hammer" Ronnell Lewis will be needed against Huskers

Since Ronnell Lewis' return from a midseason knee injury, OU fans have gotten their wish. And the “Hammer” is once again dropping the boom.

Just in time, too.

In tonight's Big 12 Championship, the Sooners take on Nebraska, their first power-rushing opponent since facing Stanford. In another game where Lewis will be vital.

“To play a really physical, downhill, run team like Nebraska like a Stanford, you need guys down there that are going to match up good with strength,” said defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright. “Not that he's the biggest guy, but he'll be as strong as anybody on that front line.

“And a guy that can play physical and punch a guy back.”

Against Stanford and hulkish running back Toby Gerhart, that's exactly what Lewis did. He made six tackles, forced a fumble and helped OU match the Cardinal's physicality up front. A decisive factor in the Sooners' 31-27 victory.

To come away with the school's seventh Big 12 title, the OU front will need to match Nebraska's ruggedness in the trenches. Something the Sooners have struggled with at times, as both Missouri and Texas A&M outmuscled them en route to victories.