Three Points and a Pick: Mustang at Norman

during a high school football game between Moore and Norman in Moore, Okla., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

It’s hard to talk about the importance of a particular district game when neither team has played one yet, and there’s a ton of time to make up for early miscues. But I think six weeks from now, Mustang and Norman will look back at tonight’s game and see just how important it was in their postseason pursuits.

I haven’t seen Norman since the Week 1 opener against Norman North, and it appears they’ve continued to improve since that tough loss. Mustang has obviously been sharp in winning its first three games to move into the top 10.

Three Points

1. Road ‘D’. Mustang’s worst defensive performance of the year came in its only road game, giving up 28 points at Yukon. In two home games since, the Broncos essentially gave up no points when it mattered. Stillwater got on the board in the second half last week, but the game was well in hand by then. Can the Mustang defense keep it up outside Bronco Stadium?

2. Ground pounding. Running the ball will be important for both teams tonight, but for different reasons. Norman is most successful when it runs the ball well. Mustang needs to run the ball to keep the passing game open for Frankie Edwards — and he’ll do a lot of the running himself, too. Norman RB Imond Robinson was big against Yukon last week, and the Tigers will need a consistent run game to win tonight.