Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska Cornhuskers There was a time when the games between Oklahoma and Nebraska were anticipated and circled on calendars every year, but the struggles of the Sooners in the 1990s and the decline of the Cornhuskers in this decade have dulled the shine. The betting lines are calling the Sooners a 22 point favorite at home and odds makers do not expect too much defense as the total sits at 71.

Both teams need a win and probably to run the table the rest of the way for any hopes of a Big 12 Championship.

"I know this is a big rivalry for a lot of people going way back," Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford said. "It's probably the biggest game of the year for both teams."

At 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the South Division, Oklahoma is tied for third in their half of the conference behind unbeatens Texas and Texas Tech. The Sooners will have a difficult month remaining. With Texas Tech on Nov. 22 and Oklahoma
State a week later, it does not look to get any easier down the stretch.

Last Saturday the Sooners beat Kansas State 58-35 in a wild one. Oklahoma scored 55 points in the first half, but giving up 25 points to K-State was not impressive.

Nebraska will be trying to exploit that with an effective passing game. In a 32-20 comeback win over Baylor a week ago, quarterback Joe Ganz threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, his third straight 300-yard performance. The three touchdowns were the most Ganz had since a four-TD performance in the season opener against Western Michigan.

"I have been playing pretty well lately," Ganz said. "Hopefully if we need that to continue, I can get some time and go through my reads and keep playing like I have been."

This one will prove to be a shoot-out. As well as the Cornhuskers offense has been playing lately, 22 points is a lot to give in a rivalry game. Sooner win, but take the Nebraska getting the 22.