Ron Stiles

When Tim Tebow announced he could not wait to play a big 12 defense, the world jumped on his band wagon. With stats, facts, and figures, people across the nation set out to prove Tebow right. From 63rd in total defense to 98th in pass defense, I can truly say I have heard or read it all. What bothered me the most was even though the facts were right that was not the defense I enjoyed watching from Oklahoma this year, something was wrong. I decided to go with play by play instead of watching the games to save time. With that choice it was easy to see just why the Sooner defense was strong.

Barry Tramel just dropped a bombshell in his Daily Oklahoman blog site. After stating the 2009 future of the Sooners is yet to be determined he goes on to say in a following paragraph, and I quote, " Offensively, the Sooners will be rebuilding without Bradford. The offensive line loses four starters, all but Trent Williams, and even he could go pro."

Is this speculation on sportswriter Trammels part? Or nothing more than a misprint that was overlooked? Is it inside information that is just now coming to light? Those are three questions that only Tramel can answer.

If Ohio State wins, it can have no bearing on the top spot in football. It will allow the Buckeyes to brag once again next year that they belong, but that is next year.

The Longhorns had the most to gain in this match-up.  Forced to cheer on Oklahoma in its last two games of the regular season before the Big 12 final, they are in the same boat again. They need an Oklahoma win, but a bad one.  With a bad Sooners win, Texas has a realistic chance to backdoor into a AP split National championship.

With the football that was played yesterday, the dream for Texas is gone.  Texas Tech was beaten soundly. Utah remained undefeated. That leaves the Longhorns, with a win, at best in third place, but probably only fourth behind USC and Utah.

I will watch, but the emotional reasons as to why I wanted to watch it are now gone.

It was painful to watch. It became embarrassing to behold. It was the Big Ten invited to the party once again. It was one of five teams in the Big Ten who made us ask why?

Make any argument you want. Quote any stat you can find. You were given a chance. You are one and five.

You have become the redheaded stepchild of football. Can the Big Ten salvage the season with a win over Texas? Probably not. If Ohio State loses to Texas, it will be worse. You will become the laughingstock of the NCAA.