10 Bedlam Questions

Originally Published: Nov 23, 2010 6:11 PM CDT10 Questions I have going into Bedlam and what I think are the answers:1.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 1:29 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Nov 23, 2010 6:11 PM CDT

10 Questions I have going into Bedlam and what I think are the answers:1.       Why did the Vegas line open at 2?  It’s because the boys who have millions riding on the game think OU is the better team, but they are hedging a bit because of home field advantage.  2.       How healthy are OSU’s Justin Blackmon and OU’s Ryan Broyles?  The game’s two biggest playmakers both have injured ankles.  Blackmon tweaked his this past weekend at Kansas.  Broyles has had chronic pain all season long.  My bet is that neither will be bothered on Saturday unless there is a re-injury.  Once each gets out and gets the adrenaline pumping it won’t be a problem.  3.       How will OU’s Tom Wort play Saturday?  Austin Box was getting most of the snaps at middle linebacker last Saturday against Baylor until he got hurt.  Wort entered and played well, but this will be his first Bedlam and OSU’s offense can make a freshman’s head spin.4.       Will the Sooners be able to get to Brandon Weeden?  He is playing better and with more confidence than any quarterback in the Big 12 right now.  Part of the reason is his offensive line.  Weeden has only been sacked 10 times.  That’s the fewest in the Big 12.  I think Jeremy Beal can get to Weeden as can Ronnell Lewis.  How often and with how much force is the question.5.       Can the Sooners make a kick when it counts?  Vegas expects a 1-3 point game.  That means a field goal could decide it.  OSU’s Dan Bailey missed two field goals last week and has, for the first time in his career, looked a bit unsteady the last two weeks.  But he nailed a game-winner at home against A&M and is still one of the most reliable guys in the country.  The Sooners’ kick by committee effort has been mostly a mess.  There’s no chance I would want to send Jimmy Stevens out there to boot a 42-yarder with :02 seconds left on the clock.  That changes the decisions you make as a coach.6.       Will OSU’s secondary continue to play well?   Since the Nebraska debacle, the Cowboys have been good in the defensive backfield.  Broderick Brown’s emergence has helped a great deal.  Andrew McGee has been steady.  Perhaps the best thing this group has done is force turnovers.  That could be huge again Saturday.7.       How much will Roy Finch touch the ball?  The freshman firefly got dinged in the head last week at Baylor.  Bedlam is a big stage and he’s just the type of guy who could move right to the front.  If he gets 15 touches, the Cowboys better watch out.8.       What unsung player’s name will we remember when it’s done?  There have been many over the years.  Possible candidates:  Chris Donaldson-OSU lineman,  Trent Ratterree-OU tight end, Quinton Carter-OU linebacker, Tracy Moore-OSU receiver.9.       How will the Cowboys deal with being the favorites?  It hasn’t happened in recent memory.  ESPN Gameday, Erin Andrews on the sidelines, possible Big 12 title and BCS bowl.  I think they’ll be fine.  Nothing has affected them yet.10.   Who am I picking?  See me Saturday at 6:00.