Three questions and three goals for Oklahoma in its Big 12 opener against Kansas State
NORMAN — Inspired by Gina Mizell’s OSU gameday preview blogs, here are three questions and three goals to preview this evening’s Kansas State at Oklahoma game.
THREE QUESTIONS
* Can Oklahoma stop Kansas State’s rushing attack?
The Sooners, under Bob Stoops, have traditionally done well against Bill Snyder’s offenses. The biggest problem this year, though, is the lack of depth on the defensive line. Many of the reserve tackles and ends are true freshmen; are they ready after the bye week to take on a tough opponent like the Wildcats? I expect Oklahoma to be able to slow K-State down enough to win the game, especially with the game being at home and the Sooner receivers beginning to click with Landry Jones.
* Who starts at running back?
Stoops wouldn’t say who his starter at running back will be, adding that it doesn’t matter. But it would be a pretty big deal to everyone in the stadium if Damien Williams is on the field before Dominique Whaley against K-State. But I think it’s the obvious choice; Williams has earned a chance to get a more significant chunk of the carries and show what he can do carrying the load. If Williams gets 18-20 carries and Whaley gets seven-12, that would be a dangerous rushing attack, and Williams and Whaley could wind up one of the nation’s best 1-2 punch tailback combo.
* Will the offensive line step up and protect Landry Jones better?
A hot topic of conversation this week has been Oklahoma’s six sacks allowed through two games. The stat is made more scary for OU when you add that K-State has sacked opposing quarterbacks eight times. It’s not all on the offensive line — Jones has to get rid of the ball quicker — but if KSU is unable to knock Jones to the turf Saturday, the Sooner passing game could be in for a huge day against the questionable Wildcat secondary.
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