The early game today is, of course, Oklahoma versus Texas in the Red River Rivalry. When you looked at the schedule before the season, you instantly thought this would be a game that had national championship implications for both teams.

 

Sam Bradford injured his throwing shoulder in week one againt BYU and the Sooners haven't really been the same. A few weeks after the Cougars beat them, the Sooners went into Miami and lost to the Hurricanes. With two losses already, Bob Stoops is hoping to keep his team's Big XII title hopes alive today versus Colt McCoy and the Texas Longhorns.

 

Meanwhile, the Longhorns are still right in the middle of the national championship hunt. With the other top three teams being SEC teams, all the Longhorns have to do is win and they will play for the BCS Title. That might be easier said than done. They showed some weaknesses last week against Colorado and the Sooners are good enough to exploit those weaknesses.

 

Later tonight, the South Carolina Gamecocks travel to Alabama to take on the most complete team in the country. Nick Saban has restored the environment that is arguably the best in tradition in college football. The Crimson Tide aren't huge, but they have the fastest defense in the country.

 

South Carolina and Mr. Garcia has to play mistake free football to even keep this game close. "The Ole Ball Coach" is in his element. This is what he lives for, but the Gamecocks may not have to top five upsets in them in one year.

 

If you aren't in the mood for SEC football, Navy travels to SMU in what looks to be a very promising game. If you looks at the numbers, this looks to be a game that could have you fighting to catch your breath by game's end. If you're in the area, MASN will televise this one. I have to admit. I've lined up two televisions next to one another so I can keep my eyes on both late games.

 

Rob Long