By John Shinn
Transcript Sports Writer
The difference between Oklahoma at home and on the road is far from secret. In fact, it's been one of the biggest stories in college football.
Most want to know how a team can be so dominant when it dresses in its own locker room, and so, well, average when it doesn't.
There's no exact answer for it.
"I wish I could tell you. If I could pinpoint it, that would answer a lot of questions in my head also. But I can't," OU left tackle Trent Williams said. "I don't know, man, I just don't."
A hard look at the facts suggests the Sooners night-and-day performance at vs. the road suggests scheduling might have something to do with it.
The Sooners have faced five teams (Idaho State, Tulsa, Baylor, Kansas State and Texas A--M) at Owen Field this season. They have won all five games by at least 12 points and four of the five by at least three touchdowns.
Of that group, only one (Texas A--M) will go to a bowl game this year. And the Aggies are the only team with a chance to finish the regular season with a winning record if they're able to upset No. 3 Texas Thursday night.
Their records make an obvious. The five teams are a combined 21-35 on the season.
On the flip side, OU's six foes away from Norman have fared much better. BYU, Miami, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska and Texas Tech are combined 50-18 at this point in the season.
Only Kansas, which OU beat 35-13 Oct. 24 in Lawrence, hasn't already qualified for a bowl, but can with a win over Missouri Saturday.
But one trend will change when the Sooners (6-5, 4-3 Big 12) face No. 11 Oklahoma State (9-2, 6-1) at 11:30 a.m., Saturday at Owen Field.
"We've played pretty well at home overall, so you could say the competition has been a lot tougher on the road -- some of those games then we played pretty well then even though we lost them," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "Whatever, I don't know how to say that. I think in the end we have done a pretty fair job at home."
The Cowboys, however, will be the best team to come to Owen Field this season. They're the ones in the running for a BCS bowl berth. They're the ones playing for a lot more than pride Saturday.
The Sooners have played all season with an invincible mystique at Owen Field, but Bedlam will prove once and for all if playing on their home really brings out their best, or if they just haven't be tested.
"I still think a smart person would pick us to win this game," OU linebacker Travis Lewis said. "We're at home, we're a good team. We've had our moments where the defense has come to play, the offense has come to play. We've only put it together in some games, but I think for this game we should be ready. If you're not ready for Bedlam you shouldn't be playing football."
