12.31.2009

On the Docket - Sun Bowl: Oklahoma (7-5) vs. Stanford (8-4)

Synopsis:

This game lost a bit of its luster when an announcement came that Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck is doubtful to play following surgery to repair a broken finger. Still, this game is a great opportunity for Stanford to take down yet another dominant program this season, having already defeated USC and Oregon.

Oklahoma must have walked under thirteen ladders, broken thirteen mirrors, and slept with a baker’s dozen black cats before the season, because they have come across the worst luck any team has seen in recent memory. Both of the team’s top NFL prospects, quarterback Sam Bradford and tight end Jermaine Gresham, missed virtually the entire season due to injury. With those two players healthy, the Sooners could have potentially been a top-five team.

Player to watch: Toby Gerhart is the star of the Cardinal’s team, but the key player in this game will be Stanford quarterback Tavita Pritchard. Pritchard is most fondly remembered in the hearts of Cardinal nation for leading his team to an improbable upset of USC in 2007. With Luck’s status uncertain for the game, Pritchard will start and most likely play the whole game under center. All coach Jim Harbaugh will ask him to do is manage the game and let Gerhart carry the load.

Who has the edge?

Stanford is a blue-collar team in the mold of its coach, and they will be fully prepared for this game. Oklahoma has dealt with too many distractions to count this season, and are more than ready to put the 2009 season behind it.

Prediction:

Stanford 31

Oklahoma 24

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