My Two Cents-The impact of Oklahoma losing and Missouri's win

Can Blaine Gabbert continue the impressive performance against Nebraska?

With Oklahoma’s loss to Missouri, they can kiss goodbye their chances to play in the national title game, even if they go on to win the Big 12 Championship game. Their resume does not stack up with Alabama, LSU, Wisconsin, Stanford, Nebraska (who are all one loss teams), or if Michigan State were to lose a game. For them to get a strong consideration for the national title game; there will have to be two loss teams from the Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-10 and the SEC, and still then people will be up in arms over Boise State and TCU not getting the nod.

The Sooners were set up perfectly to fly by Missouri and look forward to the season-ending game against Oklahoma State, which I considered their only threat. But boy was I wrong. Now, it’s a strong possibility that if this defense does not tackle better, The Cowboys will beat them and by a lot. But credit must be given to the athleticism and precision of Missouri’s offense and defense.

QB Blaine Gabbert stood tall in the pocket and picked apart this the Sooners’ secondary. And I must mention the excellent play by the Tigers offensive line that was really dominant this year than they have been in the past. We can agree that the Sooners’ defense is young and not dominant like years past when they owned Missouri during the season and in the championship game.

There is much to say about home field advantage. People can down play it but there is this energy that the players feed off playing in front of their fans, family, and friends; and once momentum swings to the home team, it is nearly impossible for the away team to recover. Missouri’s kick return (for a touchdown) to open the game made the players believe they could beat the Sooners, and they fed off this for the rest of the game.

I’m not buying Missouri is good as their 7-0 record shows but their first true test against a top 10 team was proof that they are a decent team, but not good or great. I will give them all the credit in the world if they shutdown QB Taylor Martinez, of Nebraska, who they will face this upcoming Saturday. And the Cornhusker’s defense is the fastest I have seen this year and they will create a lot of pressure on Gabbert with their speed and athleticism, which Oklahoma was unable to do.

If the Tigers get past them then that will be another highlight to this team’s season. Martinez showed that he could pass, last Saturday, as he carved up the Oklahoma State defense for over 300 yards and added over a 100 yards rushing. This matchup will determine who will represent the North in the Big 12 Championship game. This will be must-see TV.

You never know-- if Oklahoma wins out-- there will be a rematch between Missouri and the Sooners. However, it means nothing because the loser will not go to the title game; they will need some help to reach Glendale.  Bob Stoops does at least have a chance for redemption and maybe at that point Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables will have that defense more adept at the fundamentals of tackling and figuring out ways to pressure the quarterback.