MIAMI – Oklahoma clashes with Florida tonight in the BCS National Championship Game. The Sooners (12-1) are going for their eighth national title and their second under coach Bob Stoops. The Gators (12-1) are going for a third crown and second in three years.
The Post, which picked Oklahoma in the preseason to win it all, looks at the key matchups in one of the most anticipated title games ever. Stoops of Youngstown and Urban Meyer of Ashtabula are Ohio natives while Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford and Florida QB Tim Tebow are the last two Heisman Trophy winners.
SAM BRADFORD vs. FLORIDA’S
DEFENSE: He’s the college version of Peyton Manning. Not only did he lead the nation in passing efficiency (186.3), run an offense that set an NCAA scoring record (702 points) and throw just six interceptions in 442 attempts, but his ability to run Oklahoma’s nanosecond offense is remarkable.
EDGE: Bradford
TIM TEBOW vs. OKLAHOMA’S
DEFENSE: We could be cynical and ask, “What defense?” Oklahoma is 98th in pass defense and 63rd overall, having allowed 42 touchdowns. Tebow threw for 28 touchdowns, ran for 12 and is the heart and soul of this Florida team.
EDGE: Tebow
OKLAHOMA’S OL vs. FLORIDA’S DL: This is where the Sooners have their best advantage. Not only does Oklahoma have three players who should go on the first day of the draft – T Phil Loadholt, G Duke Robinson and C Jon Cooper, but Florida doesn’t have the rush ends it’s had in the past.
EDGE: Sooners
FLORIDA’S OL vs. OKLAHOMA’S
DL: Florida only has 11 seniors but two – tackles Phil Trautwein and Jason Watkins – start on the O-line. Oklahoma could use DT DeMarcus Granger (out, knee), but the Sooners still are two-deep at each spot. DEs Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander have combined for 18 TFLs and 13 sacks, but how they handle Florida’s misdirection will be key.
EDGE: Even
OKLAHOMA’S RBs vs. FLORIDA’S LBs: The Sooners are without DeMarco Murray, their second-leading rusher. Chris Brown is a tough cookie but not as tough as Florida LB Brandon Spikes, the emotional leader of Florida’s defense.
EDGE: Gators
FLORIDA’S RBs vs. OKLAHOMA’S
LBs: This is where Florida has its greatest advantage. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps give the Gators a speed tandem unmatched. The Sooners lost their top LB Ryan Reynolds (knee).
EDGE: Gators
OKLAHOMA’S WRs vs. FLORIDA’S DBs: Juaquin Iglesias is a game-breaker, and Oklahoma’s set of hybrid tight ends – Matt Clapp, Jermaine Gresham and Brody Eldridge – will cause Florida matchup problems.
EDGE: Sooners
FLORIDA’S WRs vs. OKLAHOMA’S
DBs: Maybe Dominique Franks was right. Maybe Tebow would be the fourth best QB in the Big 12. But he’s throwing to the fastest receiving corps in the nation.
EDGE: Gators
SPECIAL TEAMS, OKLAHOMA vs. FLORIDA: The Sooners allowed four kickoff returns for touchdowns and Florida has the most dangerous return man in Brandon James. Florida did not allow a special-teams touchdown. OU redshirt freshman kicker Jimmy Stevens (five missed extra points and 4-of-7 on field goals of 30 or longer) is hardly automatic. Florida senior Jonathan Phillips made all eight field goal attempts (5-of-5 from 30-to-49 yards).
EDGE: Gators
COACHING, OKLAHOMA vs. FLORIDA: After winning a national title in his second season, Stoops became known as Big Game Bob. But after four straight BCS bowl game losses, that’s been questioned. Meyer is the most dynamic, innovative offensive coach in the game.
EDGE: Gators
INTANGIBLES: Florida probably is the more talented squad (12 players with sub 4.3 speed) and overall the better team. Oklahoma is first in turnover margin followed by Florida.
The Sooners have the motivation edge. Their defense has been disparaged for a month. Florida should have a crowd advantage.
EDGE: Even
PREDICTION SOONERS 37, GATORS 34