Bleacher Report - Articles by Michael Bray

Bradford To Return To Oklahoma

Michael Bray — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:11:43 -0500

By Michael Bray

Norman- Despite losing it’s fifth straight BCS bowl game, and third BCS Championship, Oklahoma has something to rest easy about.

Heisman Trophy winner, Sam Bradford announced yesterday in a press conference that he would forgo the 2008 NFL Draft, and return to Oklahoma for his Junior season.

“I’ve dreamed of playing at Oklahoma since I was little and my three years here have been the best three years of my life,” Said Bradford of his choice to stay with the Sooners.

Bradford had been projected as a first-round draft choice and among the first quarterbacks selected in the draft. But the chance to return and lead Oklahoma to its first national championship since 2000 and direct the Sooners to an unprecedented fourth straight Big 12 title lured him back.

“I really feel that there is no need to cut this experience short, and I’m really looking forward to coming back and competing for a fourth straight Big 12 Championship, and opportunity at another National Championship.”

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said the players' return was bigger than the boost he could have expected from recruiting day next month.

"We're excited about this for a couple of reasons," Stoops said. "It makes our team stronger with that experience and talent coming back for another year. And hopefully, it sends a clear message to other young guys that these players value their experience in college and their education."

Bradford led the nation with 50 touchdown passes and in pass efficiency. He ranked third with 4,720 passing yards. His 86 touchdown passes is by far the NCAA's record for players after two seasons.

Bradford's decision marks the fourth time in the past six seasons that a Heisman Trophy winner has elected to return for another college season after claiming college football's most prestigious individual honor.

Joining him in returning are, offensive tackle Trent Williams, tight end Jermain Gresham, and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

With all four players returning, Stoops feels that his Sooners have a chance for another great season in 2009.

"We're already on to next year in our focus and what we are looking at. Having these guys back for next season is really exciting when you look at all the people we have coming back on defense and offense.

We have an opportunity to have really a special year because of the quality depth and experience we have coming back."

If that holds true, Oklahoma could once again find themselves as Big 12 Champions, and if they could find a way to break the five BCS bowl game losing streak, the Sooners might just be able to call themselves, National Champions of 2009.

Oklahoma should start the 2009 season preseason ranked in the top ten, or possibly in the top five.

BCS Bowl Predictions: Bet on Oklahoma

Michael Bray — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 06:21:49 -0500

Well as we all know it's that time again: BCS Bowls for eight of college football's elite. Not that everyone else who makes a bowl isn't elite but only the best can make it to the BCS' four bowls. First off let's look at the conference championships and see who wins and goes to the Orange, Rose, Sugar, and Fiesta Bowls....

In the biggest conference championship, the SEC, featuring No.1 Alabama (12-0, 8-0) and No.4 Florida (11-1, 7-1).

Both are great offensive teams, but this is a defensive struggle. Gator quarterback Tim Tebow is shut down and held to only 21 yards on the ground and Florida’s lone touchdown. Alabama’s Glen Coffee scores the game clincher behind his 100 yards on the ground in a 17-7 Crimson Tide victory, sending them to the BCS Championship in Miami.

No.8 Penn State (11-1, 7-1) has already won the Big 10 Championship with a 49-18 win over No.21 Michigan State (9-3, 6-2) and is for the first time in 14 years headed to the Rose Bowl.

No.13 Cincinnati (10-2, 6-1) is the Big East champion after a big Pittsburgh win over West Virginia, and a 30-10 Cincy win over a hapless Syracuse team.

The ACC Championship is between No.17 Boston College (9-3, 5-3) and No.25 Virginia Tech (8-4, 5-3).

Last season's title match also featured these two programs. They had met earlier in the year with the BC Eagles pulling out a come from behind 14-10 win over the Hokies. However, in the title game the Hokies came out on top with a 30-16 upset as the ACC champs.

This year BC won 28-23 in their regular season matchup. And although Virginia Tech has played well in its last few games, BC's defense will be too much for the Hokies, resulting in a 24-13 Eagles win.

In the Pac-10 championship, No.5 USC (10-1,7-1) will battle UCLA.

Oregon State's big loss to rival Oregon last week opened the door for the Trojans to become Pac-10 champions with a win over the Bruins of UCLA.

No contest. UCLA gains early momentum with a first quarter field goal that puts them up 3-0, but thats as close as they get to the upset as the Trojans score 63 unanswered points, including 6 touchdown passes from Mark Sanchez.

Finally, there is the Big 12 Championship, No.2 Oklahoma (11-1, 7-1) vs No.20 Missouri (9-3, 5-3).

Again this is a repeat of a conference championship; the only difference is that the roles are reversed. Last year Missouri was on it's way to the BCS title game with a No.1 ranking and a 11-1 record, with the only blemish being a 41-31 loss on the road to the crimson clad Sooners. In the title game Oklahoma once again defeated the Tigers 38-17, to win its second straight Big 12 Championship.

Oklahoma almost did not return this year because of Texas' 45-35 win over OU in the annual Red River Rivalry. However, winning six straight games (four of them scoring 60+ plus points), defeating the second ranked team in the nation by 44 points, and the BCS smiling upon the Sooners, Oklahoma finds itself playing in it’s third straight Big 12 Championship.

Missouri will fight hard, keeping the Sooners guessing for the first quarter on defense, but in the end the Sooners are too much for Missouri.

Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford will throw for 350 yards and three scores, and DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown add 200 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in a 42-10 victory.

With these likely conference champions, a BCS prediction can be made:

First comes the Rose Bowl, where we will see the Pac-10 champion No.4 USC (12-1, 8-1) matched up against the Big-10 champion No.7 Penn State (11-1, 7-1) in a shootout with the 45-42 win going to the Nittany Lions.

Next comes the Fiesta Bowl between No.3 Texas (11-1,7-1) and the undefeated Mountain West champions No.5 Utah (12-0, 8-0).

The disadvantage in the game for Utah is, they haven’t played a team as good as the Longhorns all season.

Although they keep it close, Texas’ Heisman runner-up Colt McCoy passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-28 Longhorn win over the Utes.

Then we have the Sugar Bowl which features the No.9 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2, 7-1) and the Tim Tebow led No.8 Florida Gators (11-2, 7-2).

The Gators pull out to a 14-0 lead at the half, due to two passing scores by Tebow. But the Gator defense can’t contain the Buckeyes leading rusher, Chris Wells all game as he rushes for 210 yards and three second half touchdowns in a 24-14 Ohio State win.

Now we come to the Orange Bowl where we find No.16 Boston College (10-3, 6-3) and No.12 Cincinnati (11-2, 6-1).

The Eagles give a great effort gaining 200 yards rushing, and lead 21- 14 at halftime, but their defense gives up four touchdowns through the air to the Bearcats who score 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, in a 35-21 victory.

For classic sake we will look at the Cotton Bowl where we will find No.6 Texas Tech (11-1, 7-1) matching up against 15 Georgia (9-3, 6-2).

This is a high powered offensive game as both the Bulldogs and Red Raiders combine for over 1,000 yards and 110 points.

But it is Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree leading Tech to a 60-50 victory, and Tech’s first ever 12 win season.

Now for the grand finale, the BCS National Championship:

No.1 Alabama (13-0, 9-0) and No.2 Oklahoma (12-1, 8-1).

The Crimson Tide runs the ball well as Glen Coffee finishes with 190 yards and two touchdowns. But unfortunately, Bama’s defense can’t stop Oklahoma’s high powered offense.

Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford finishes with 435 yards and five touchdowns as the Sooners end their four BCS bowl game losing streak with a 35-14 win and their eighth National Championship , second under Bob Stoops.

So there you have it, the 2008 BCS Bowl projections. Well, more of a prediction that MIGHT occur. But whatever happens , ENJOY the 2008 season endings.

Texas' BCS Blues

Michael Bray — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:02:42 -0500

Texas has a complaint with the BCS.

They beat No.1 Oklahoma 45-35 earlier in the year, giving them a head-to-head tie breaker over the crimson clad Sooners.

They defeated their rival, Texas A&M 49-9 on Thanksgiving night, impressively.

They have big wins against No.6 Missouri, who is the Big 12 North champion, and No.9 Oklahoma State who is having a great season for the first time in a while.

But they also have one big chink in the armor.

They lost to No.7 Texas Tech 39-33. No matter, Tech won't win all 12 games, so no worries. Not so fast, there are worries.

Oklahoma too has some big wins.

52-26 over Big East champion Cincinnatti, 35-10 over big bad TCU, and possibly the biggest win of Bob Stoops career, 65-21 over No.2 Texas Tech.

Oh and not to mention a 61-41 win over rival Oklahoma State.

What's this, Baylor is upsetting Tech! ok no worries, a Tech loss means the South for Texas.

Bummer! Tech just took a 35-28 lead. One defensive stop later and it's a big come from behind win for Tech.

Uh-oh, here comes the feared three-way tie for first in the Big 12 South. Well no worries let's see.

Texas holds the tie breaker over Oklahoma, Texas Tech holds the tie breaker over Texas, but Oklahoma holds the tie breaker over Texas Tech.

Nope no clear winner in this scenerio.

Now lets look at BCS standings.

Highest ranking wins.

Since Texas Tech won't move up any higher than No. 7, due to the big loss to the Sooners, it is virtually between No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 2 Texas.

Ok so the "Remember 45-35" campaign should help the 'Horns, right?

Not so fast!

Polls after Saturday night read Alabama No. 1...What's this! Oklahoma jumps Texas to No. 2! How!

Big wins over Tech and OSU, scoring 60+ points for four straight weeks, and oh yeah, not hardly any cupcakes in the non-conference scheduale, except maybe Washington.

But Texas beat OSU, Kansas, and A&M by a combined 53 points.

However, Oklahoma beat them worse, by a combined 174 points.

So it's off to the Big 12 Championship for Oklahoma, and with a win, the BCS Championship.

For Texas it is six to eight weeks off, culminating with a date with undefeated Utah in the Fiesta Bowl.

Boomin’ Sooners Hurdle Texas to No. 2 BCS Spot

Michael Bray — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:35:28 -0500

By Michael Bray

NORMAN, Okla.: With a 61-41 road win over Oklahoma State, Oklahoma (not Texas) is headed to the Big 12 Championship game with an inside track to the national title game by moving ahead of the Longhorns in the BCS standings Sunday.

Oklahoma is second in the BCS standings behind unbeaten Alabama. Texas is third, and Florida is fourth.

Oklahoma (11-1, 7-1) has a .9351 BCS average. Texas' BCS average is .9223.

The Sooners were behind Texas last week in the BCS standings by a tiny margin. The Sooners actually led the Longhorns in the polls, but a week ago the computers had Texas ahead of Oklahoma.

After the Sooners' victory Saturday night against Oklahoma State (14th in the latest standings) and the Longhorns' 49-9 win over lowly Texas A&M on Thanksgiving night, the polls tightened, but the computers flipped.

Oklahoma was a point ahead of Texas in the USA Today coaches' poll and six points behind the Longhorns in the Harris Interactive. The computer ratings preferred the Sooners and that made the difference.

"Going into the last couple of weeks, we knew that a good team was going to be left out of the Big 12 championship. Unfortunately, in this situation, it was us," Texas coach Mack Brown said in a statement.

"It is what it is. We don't like it, we don't agree with it or think it's fair, but, like anything else, we'll handle it and move forward."

After beating Oklahoma and jumping to No. 1 in the polls, Texas (11-1) lost at Texas Tech 39-33 on Nov. 1. The Red Raiders (11-1), No. 2 at the time, then lost at Oklahoma 65-21 on Nov. 22.

That created a three-way tie for first when all three teams won all the rest of their games.

The Big 12 then had to use its fifth tiebreaker, best BCS rating, to determine which team would play North winner Missouri on Saturday in Kansas City, Mo.

The Sooners barely edged the Longhorns, as the lopsided loss to Oklahoma dropped Texas Tech way back. The Red Raiders were seventh in Sunday's standings.

Despite Texas' "Remember 45-35" politicking, all through the last two weeks, Texas' victory against the Sooners in October wasn't enough to give the Longhorns the advantage in a three-way tie between the Red River rivals.

"That was very disappointing, because we had finished the season so strong and done so well against the two teams that are playing in the game," Texas quarterback Colt McCoy said.

"But, we had a great team meeting and Coach Brown pushed all of the positives with us, like he always does.

He told us that it was okay to be disappointed but after the meeting, it was time to move forward and be prepared to get ready for a big bowl game."

The irony of the situation though is that the Longhorns will be watching two teams they beat play for the conference title, rooting for Missouri.

"I don't think anyone's been comfortable with this," said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.

"All parts for the last couple or three weeks, it's been aggravating more than anything."

However, there is a small sliver of hope for Texas.

The winner of the Southeastern Conference championship game between the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide and the No. 4 Florida Gators is virtually guaranteed a spot in the BCS national title game on Jan. 8 in Miami.

Oklahoma would earn the other spot by beating Missouri.

However, If the Sooners should lose, it could open the door for Texas to go to the national title game, despite not playing for its conference championship.

Oklahoma-Texas Tech: No. 5 Sooners Look to Rope No. 2 Raiders into Submission

Michael Bray — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:20:56 -0500

Norman—When you hear the words "Oklahoma" and "rivalry" in the same sentence, you think about Nebraska or Oklahoma State, even Texas maybe. However, I bet you won't think of Texas Tech.

However, since 1992 (did not play each other in 1995) in their first ever matchup, a 34-9 win in Lubbock for Oklahoma, the Red Raiders and Sooners have scratched and clawed through each other for supremacy.

Since the formation of the Big 12 conference in 1996, Oklahoma holds an 8-4 advantage with an 11-4 all time record over Tech, including a 41-10 John Hancock Bowl win in 1993.

Last season Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 34-27 in Lubbock, when Sam Bradford was knocked out of last year's matchup with a concussion in the first quarter, and Graham Harrell threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third as Texas Tech scored 27 straight first-half points.

Harrell finished with 420 yards passing, and the Red Raiders limited DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown to 126 combined rushing yards and no scores.

Michael Crabtree, Harrell's favorite receiver, had eight catches for 89 yards and three touchdowns Nov. 8, his 13th straight game with a scoring reception. The sophomore, who's 28 receiving yards shy of 3,000 heading into his 24th game, had 12 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown last season in the victory over the Sooners.

But this year Tech is at a disadvantage playing in Norman.

Tech has only one win in the Sooner Nation, a 22-12 decision in 1996. The Red Raiders had a chance to win the South division title in 2002, only to be knocked from contention via a 60-15 Sooners rout in Norman.

Texas Tech is 1-6 at Oklahoma.

This season's anticipated matchup will have a lot on the line.

The No. 2 Red Raiders can clinch their first Big 12 South Division title and take another big step toward a BCS berth with a win against Oklahoma, which is also battling for the division crown and a spot in the BCS.

"I'm thinking about OU, that's what I'm thinking about," Crabtree said, dismissing the bigger BCS picture. "We take it one game at a time. It's been working so far, and I think I'm going to stay with that scheme."

"I think we're just so focused and done such a good job of being prepared that I don't think there's any chance of that happening," said Red Raiders lineman Ross Ryland, when asked if the bye week would lead to a rusty performance as they continue to navigate through arguably the nation's toughest conference.

"We just got to keep it going."

Led by Heisman hopeful Graham Harrell, who has directed coach Mike Leach's pass-happy offense to a Football Bowl Subdivision-best 433.7 passing yards per game, the Red Raiders are third in scoring at 47.9 points a contest. They've gained at least 421 yards in every game and lead the FBS in average total yards at 566.3.

"The guy has a thorough understanding in everything they do to the point he can go blindfolded and point out every receiver on every route," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said of Harrell.

"He has excellent feet in the pocket to keep himself alive on the play and throw on the run. When he has what he likes, he rarely is not going to be on the mark."

Oklahoma also has a Heisman candidate on its side in Sam Bradford, who is directing the third-most proficient offense in passing yards per game (355.5) and total yards (549.8).

"He's got the size and the arm and makes good decisions back there," said Texas Tech safety Daniel Charbonnet of Bradford.

As potent as Texas Tech's offense is, it may be meeting its equal in Oklahoma's.

The Sooners have scored at least 35 points in all 10 games, but they have really stepped it up offensively since a 45-35 loss to Texas on Oct. 11, averaging 57.3 points and 590.8 yards during a four-game winning streak.

DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown each ran for 100 yards against Texas A&M, and they've combined for 1,586 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. Juaquin Iglesias has team highs of 51 receptions and 853 yards, while Manuel Johnson, Jermaine Gresham, and Ryan Broyles each have at least 30 catches, 500 yards, and five TDs

"We are really balanced with our running and passing games," Bradford said. "Our attitude is better this year. There is a different mindset with this team. We still have a lot of our goals in front of us."

Those goals are a Big 12 Championship and a possible BCS berth.

In order to reach the Big 12 Championship, Oklahoma, fifth in the BCS, needs to win its two remaining games and have Texas lose its last game in order to claim the Big 12 South division.

Texas Tech (10-0, 6-0) is trying to go 11-0 for the first time, including a win in Norman.

Mike Leach, who served as offensive coordinator under Stoops at Oklahoma in 1999 before taking over the Red Raiders, has never won in four trips to Norman as Texas Tech coach.

DeGeneration X Is Here to Stay

Michael Bray — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:45:02 -0500

Shawn Michaels and Triple H formed one of if not the most controversial tag teams in WWE history, DeGeneration X. Many tag teams have left their mark in the wrestling world, but not as much as DX has.

In early 1997, teaming up for the first time, the HeartBreak Kid Shawn Michaels and the Game Triple H first formed DX in a match against Mankind and the Undertaker. After the match, being referred to as "Degenerates" by WWE chairman Vince McMahon, the two became the most unpredictable tag team any brand of wrestling had seen.

They have been in many feuds in their day, including DX vs. Rated RKO (Randy Orton and Edge), DX vs. the Spirit Squad, and according to WWE Magazine's Best of 2006, the greatest rivalry of all, DX vs. the McMahons (yes, Vince McMahon and his son Shane).

However, just as all tag teams have their ups and downs, DX had their differences with each other. After being sidelined for almost four years due to a severe and career-threatening back injury, HBK was thought to be history. Of course he did have a tenure as WWE commissioner for a short while, but resigned in 2000.

However, in a surprise to many WWE fans, HBK returned in 2002 as a member of the NWO and once again took up where he left off. Reuniting with Triple H, DX looked to be back. But it wasn't to be at the time. During their "Reunion" live on Raw, Triple H brutally pedigreed his longtime friend and counterpart in the middle of the ring.

From there a new feud broke out, HBK vs. Triple H. They had a lot of matches just to see who was the best, including an unsanctioned street fight match at SummerSlam in 2002. Michaels was the victor, but the feud was far from over.

In an elimination chamber match at Survivor series, the following pay-per-view, Shawn Michaels came away with the World Heavyweight Championship, formerly Triple H's title.

Despite all their feuds, the history and brotherly love of the two came through. Triple H was in a five on one match vs. the Spirit squad. After being decimated, Shawn Michaels came to help Triple H, and DX once again was formed.

Teaming up whenever is needed, DX will always Rule the Wrestling World. Oh, and if you're not down with that, DX has one thing to say: "SUCK IT!"

ESPN College GameDay Comes to Norman for 20th Time

Michael Bray — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:18:08 -0500

Norman—The only way that the Oklahoma-Texas Tech game could get any bigger would be when the ESPN College GameDay crew arrives to broadcast the game.

GameDay features host Chris Fowler and analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, and Desmond Howard, who spend two hours each Saturday morning providing in-depth coverage of college football.

The last time GameDay was in Norman was October 13, 2007. On that day, Oklahoma defeated the visiting Missouri Tigers 41-31.

This will be the 20th time the program has televised live from Norman. Other trips to Norman include the 2003 Oklahoma State game, 2001 Kansas State game, 2000 Nebraska game, and 1995 Colorado game.

One highlight of GameDay is at the end of the show, when Corso puts on a mascot head of the team he predicts to win the game.

This week it will be the mascots Raider Red of Texas Tech vs. the Sooner Schooner's Boomer and Sooner of Oklahoma. Let's just hope that Corso doesn't upset the Sooner Nation and pick Raider Red over Boomer and Sooner.

That might just cause a riot in Norman, where there will already be fireworks of two high-powered teams.

Complete Record of times GameDay has called Sooner Games

Nov. 22, 2008 Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech—Norman

Oct. 11, 2008 Oklahoma vs. Texas: 45-35 L—Dallas, Texas

Dec. 1, 2007 Oklahoma vs. Missouri: 38-17 (Big 12 Championship) W—San Antonio, Texas

Oct. 13, 2007 Oklahoma vs. Missouri: 41-31 W—Norman

Nov. 4, 2006 Oklahoma at Texas A&M: 17-16 W—College Station, Texas

Jan. 4, 2005 Oklahoma vs. USC: 55-19 (BCS National Championship, Orange Bowl) L—Miami, Fla.

Oct. 30, 2004 Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: 38-35 W—Stillwater, Okla.

Jan. 4, 2004 Oklahoma vs. LSU: 21-14 (BCS National Championship, Sugar Bowl) L—New Orleans, La.

Nov. 1, 2003 Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State: 52-9 W—Norman

Sept. 6, 2003 Oklahoma at Alabama: 20-13 W—Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Oct. 12, 2002 Oklahoma vs. Texas: 35-24 W—Dallas Texas

Oct. 27, 2001 Oklahoma at Nebraska: 20-10 L—Lincoln, Neb.

Oct. 6, 2001 Oklahoma vs. Texas: 14-3 W—Dallas, Texas

Sept. 29, 2001 Oklahoma vs. Kansas State: 38-37 W—Norman

Jan. 3, 2001 Oklahoma vs. Florida State: 13-2 (BCS National Championship, Orange Bowl) W—Miami, Fla.

Dec. 2, 2000 Oklahoma vs. Kansas State: 27-24 (Big 12 Championship) W—Kansas City, Mo.

Nov. 11, 2000 Oklahoma at Texas A&M: 35-31 W—College Station, Texas

Oct. 28, 2000 Oklahoma vs. Nebraska: 31-14 W—Norman

Oct. 14, 2000 Oklahoma at Kansas State: 31-21 W—Manhattan, Kan.

Sept. 30, 1995 Oklahoma vs. Colorado: 38-17 L—Norman

The Sooners are 14-5 overall in games with the program on site, including 4-1 in Norman. The Sooners are 60-2 at home since 1999-present

Oklahoma-Texas Tech: Sooners Ready for No. 2 Red Raiders

Michael Bray — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:48:55 -0500

Norman—Oklahoma knows that in order to have a chance to play for the Big 12 or even the BCS National Championship, it must first get past the No. 2 Red Raiders of Texas Tech.

For the third straight week, Texas Tech (10-0, 6-0) will play the biggest game in its history.

They have consecutively beaten Texas (39-33) who was ranked No. 1, in their last game before their bye week, and Oklahoma State (56-20), which was ranked ninth in the nation. Both wins were at home.

Oklahoma (9-1, 6-1) has gone 4-0 since a 45-35 loss to Texas in the annual Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

The Sooners have beaten Kansas (45-31), Kansas State (58-35), Nebraska (62-28), and Texas A&M (66-21) all in succession, and are now ranked fifth in the nation.

Now with the Red Raiders visiting Norman, a place Texas Tech has never won, the Sooners are ready for the challenge at hand.

Facing off against each other will be two Heisman hopefuls, Tech quarterback Graham Harrell and Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford. Both are coming off huge performances.

Harrell completed 40 of his 50 passes against Oklahoma State for 456 yards and six touchdowns.

"The guy has a thorough understanding in everything they do to the point he can go blindfolded and point out every receiver on every route," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said of Harrell. "He has excellent feet in the pocket to keep himself alive on the play and throw on the run. When he has what he likes, he rarely is not going to be on the mark."

Bradford completed 22 of his 33 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns in the win against Texas A&M. He also had five carries for 23 yards on the ground with one score.

We are really balanced with our running and passing games," Bradford said. "Our attitude is better this year. There is a different mindset with this team. We still have a lot of our goals in front of us."

In the last five meetings between the Sooners and Red Raiders, Oklahoma holds a 3-2 advantage, including a come from behind 34-24 win in 2006.

Last season in Lubbock, Tech defeated Oklahoma 34-28 after Bradford went down with a concussion late in the first quarter.

With a win, Oklahoma would drastically improve their chances to win the Big 12 South, via a three-way tie with Texas and Texas Tech, and a possible BCS Championship appearance if they were to win the Big 12 Championship against Missouri, the same team they beat last season 38-17 in the Big 12 Championship.

If a three-way tie occurred, whichever team was higher ranked in the BCS would advance to the Big 12 Championship in Kansas City.

However, a Tech win would seal up the South for the Red Raiders, and with a win in the Big 12 Championship, Texas Tech would play for the BCS National Championship against possibly the SEC champion, No. 1 Alabama or No. 4 Florida.

Oklahoma would then be headed to either the Cotton Bowl or to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl. One thing is for sure—there will be fireworks in this one.

The game will air on ESPN's Saturday Night football, channel 8. Game time will be at 7:00.

Big 12 Championship Halfway Decided

Michael Bray — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:30:05 -0500

Kansas City, MO.—The Big 12 Championship is halfway decided.

Missouri, ranked 12th in the nation, defeated Iowa State on the road, 52-20 and with Texas defeating the Kansas Jayhawks 35-10, wrapped up the Big 12 North division crown and are headed to Kansas City for the Big 12 Championship against the South's champion, either Texas, Oklahoma, or Texas Tech.

The South will take a big leap in determining its champion when No. 2 Texas Tech visits Norman to battle the No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners, who are the two-year defending Big 12 champion.

If Oklahoma wins, that will put the Sooners in a three-way tie for the South division championship, along with Texas and Texas Tech.

In that case, the highest ranked BCS team would get the bid to play Missouri.

Last year the Sooners defeated Missouri 38-17 in the Tigers' first-ever trip to the Big 12 Championship.

Complete Big 12 Championship Results

2007: Oklahoma Def. Missouri 38-17

2006: Oklahoma Def. Nebraska 21-7

2005: Texas Def. Colorado 70-3

2004: Oklahoma Def. Colorado 42-3

2003: Kansas State Def. Oklahoma 35-7

2002: Oklahoma Def. Colorado 29-7

2001: Colorado Def. Texas 39-37

2000: Oklahoma Def. Kansas State 27-24

1999: Nebraska Def. Texas 22-6

1998: Texas A&M Def. Kansas State 36-33 2OT

1997: Nebraska Def. Texas A&M 54-15

1996: Texas Def. Nebraska 37-27

The 2008 Big 12 Championship will be held on Dec. 6, 2008.

Per Big 12 policy, the Big 12 South Champion will be declared the home team because the game is played in the home state of a Big 12 North team.

Designated "home" teams are 8-4 in Big 12 Championship Games.