Originally Posted by
ringemup
Today I am looking at the OKLAHOMA- CLEMSON MATCHUP as Oklahoma comes in as a 4.5 point favorite currently. I like Oklahoma here to cover and win this one due to several reasons. While Clemson does come into this game with the statistically-ranked No.1 Defense in the country and plays fast on that side of the ball, I do think Oklahoma can neutralize Clemson a bit because of their excellent play up front and not only that but Venables is the D-coordinator for Clemson and Stoops and co. know how to play chess against this guy having been around his defensive gameplanning for over 11 years. Same could be said about Venables knowing Oklahoma's offense but they have likely tweaked their Offense since he left.
The key factor I like here is that QB D. Watson for Clemson is out and if he were playing I may have switched my lean to Clemson but without him under center the offense for the inconsistent Clemson offense becomes even more stagnant. The way I see it Oklahoma will focus on loading the box while daring Stoudt to beat them through the air. Oklahoma is good against the run so I can see them making 3rd and longs for Stoudt for much of the game. While their secondary has struggled of late I think some time off and preparation will help the Sooners secondary come back to life and if anything their performance vs Alabama last year is an indication they are capable of bouncing back in a big way. WIthout the dual threat Watson provides Clemson becomes almost anemic, and could be disastrous if Stoudt makes bad decisions leading to short fields for Oklahoma.
On the other side Oklahoma simply has more weapons in RB Perine, WR Shepard and while it wont be easy because Clemson plays pretty good defense I think in the end the ineptitude of Clemson's ability to move the ball will put too much pressure on their vaunted defense and eventually Oklahoma will break through for some scores pulling away.
Take the Oklahoma Sooners for the cover and 2nd consecutive bowl win. GL
Sooners -4.5 20 unit play BIG