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November 4, 2008

Style points count for Sooners

By John Shinn

When you’re being judged, you have to do everything you can to impress the judges.

If Oklahoma doesn’t understand that, it has about three weeks to put on its best face.

The judges have taken their place.

The pageant is for the voters, be they for the USA Today coaches poll or the Harris Interactive poll. Both are the major components in the BCS rankings. The impression the Sooners make on the voters will have a huge implication on where they go for a bowl, and perhaps, whether they get to play in the Big 12 championship game.

It’s hardly news to the sixth-ranked Sooners (8-1, 4-1 Big 12). They always knew their season could hinge on this.

“I think that has been the case for quite a while now,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “It’s the style points of when you’re playing, who you’re playing and where you’re playing. All of that matters. Some people take that into consideration.”

It’s a major consideration as OU prepares to face Texas A&M; (4-5, 2-3) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Kyle Field.

The Sooners’ recent history with the Aggies, particularly in College Station, says they should be prepared for a dog fight. OU is 3-1 at one college football’s most racous venues. All four games have been decided by a touchdown or less. The two teams’ last meeting at Kyle Field, in 2006, was a 17-16 OU victory.

But squeaking by the Aggies this time wouldn’t create the favorable impression the Sooners need. They’re a 26-point favorite for a reason. They’re expected to win big.

Does that mean the focus becomes more on winning with style than simply winning?

Stoops says, no.

“Our mindset is always the same. How many style points do you need?” he asked. “We scored 62 points and 50 something the week before. There’s still respect for the game. We do the very best we can to play well. But when we have been in the fourth quarter in those instances we, for the most part, burn the clock and do whatever is necessary to get out of the game. This week, going down to A&M;, we don’t look at anything that way. It will be a challenge and we have to focus all week on being the very best we can be and have that kind of energy we’ve had going on the road and being ready to play.”

OU’s done a very good job of that. In its three true road games (Washington, Baylor and Kansas State) it’s won by average of 32 points each time and by at least three touchdowns in all.

Is it enough?

The Sooners walloped Nebraska 62-28 last week, but they dropped two spots in the BCS rankings. Some of it had to do with Texas Tech knocking off Texas, but Florida’s very impressive 49-10 victory over Georgia also caused the shift.

It’s doubtful there’s anything OU can do against Texas A&M; that will move it higher in the rankings next week. The Sooners’ springboard games are later in November. Wins against the Red Raiders Nov. 22 and Oklahoma State Nov. 29 will be judged in an incredibly favorable light.

Players are trying to ignore the asthetics.

“We just take it one game at a time,” OU wide receiver Quentin Chaney said. “Whatever happens on a scoreboard, we have no concerns or control, except for who we play next week.”

But there’s no doubt the Sooners will be judged in many ways than simply the win-loss column. They’re in the middle of pageant whether they like it or not.

John Shinn

366-3536

jshinn@normantranscript.com

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