The Sooners look to spoil CU Homecoming weekend
The Oklahoma Sooners are currently ranked No. 4 in the nation in the USA Today college football poll. They boast an undefeated 4-0 record and the reputation of one of the toughest teams in college football.
The Buffs have the task of playing the Sooners this weekend for CU’s Homecoming game, and most analysts predict a blowout. But in the end, OU is just a football team.
“Anybody is beatable and anyone can beat you,” coach Dan Hawkins said during his weekly press luncheon on Tuesday. “You have to play efficient and you have to do things right. You can’t leave stones unturned.”
CU is still riding the momentum from its 42-0 blowout victory against Miami (OH). Seeing how it’s homecoming weekend, the Buffs would like to hear upset bells ringing in the air.
The Sooners are a football team not to mess with, though.
The Sooners are leading the nation with 61.5 points per game. The match-up between the two teams has some interesting history.
The last time Oklahoma came to Boulder was in 2003 when the Sooners were ranked No. 1 in the nation. The Sooners won 34-20. CU was also the last team to rush for over 300 yards against OU, and the last team to return a punt for a touchdown, with a spectacular 80-yard run by former CU star Jeremy Bloom.
“I think our guys do a good job of getting up for every game, no matter who we are playing,” said Buffs quarterback Cody Hawkins. “They are going to play hard, I don’t think we take anybody lightly or really stress out about someone either, because when you come to Colorado and watch highlight tapes of past years, they have played some great teams and have never shied away from great competition, and this year is no different based on our non-conference schedule.”
Although Cody Hawkins had an impressive performance against the RedHawks, his two interceptions soured what could have been huge scoring opportunities for the Buffs. Mistakes like those will prevent CU from defeating Oklahoma.
“They are really good. There are no real weaknesses; they can throw it, they can run it, they are big up front, they’ve got speed, they have receivers, running backs. Same thing on defense, they are big and fast. They are a very complete football team,” coach Hawkins said.
OU boasts amazing statistics, including being in the top 3 in the nation for all aspects of scoring, passing efficiency, total offense, and sacks allowed. While they are arguably the toughest team CU will face this season, optimism is still high for the homecoming battle.
“You can win and you can lose on any given Saturday,” Hawkins said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Justin Sedgwick at justin.sedgwick@colorado.edu.
