Oklahoma Sooners Focused on More than Gerhart

Originally Published: Dec 27, 2009 10:25 PM CDT

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

EL PASO, Texas -- The Oklahoma Sooners hit the practice field for the first time at Austin High School in El Paso in preparation for the Sun Bowl. Oklahoma’s defense will face one of the best running backs in the nation in Stanford’s Toby Gerhart. Even though Gerhart was the Heisman Trophy runner-up, the Sooners have much more to worry about.

“We’re going against Stanford,” Sooners defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. “We know he’s a great player but we’re focusing on Stanford.”

Gerhart led the nation in rushing with 1,736 yards and 26 touchdowns, and won this year’s Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s best running back. The senior averaged 144.7 yards per game average which will be the highest average the Sooners faced this season. Oklahoma has given up 88.6 rushing yards per game, come New Year’s Eve, something will give.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge for us,” Sooners’ defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. “That’s what they do, they run the ball. They got a great running back; actually they got two really good running backs. What’s even better than that is the blocking of the O-line.”

McCoy also said he thinks the Cardinal has one of the best offensive line's in the Pac-10.