Oklahoma vs. Kansas 2008

The Sooners return to the field this Saturday against Kansas after losing their #1 ranking to the Longhorns last week. This will hopefully be a good bounce-back game for the Sooners who are looking to regain national respect after a 10-point loss. OU is a 20-point favorite at home against the #16 ranked Jayhawks.

OU will be trying to find a capable replacement for star linebacker Ryan Reynolds who was lost for the season by injury. It looks like Austin Box will be the starter at the middle linebacker position. Box is a former high school safety and has much better speed and cover skills than Brandon Crow, who got torched on the pass last week after Reynold's injury.

Also, look for the Sooners to establish a running game that has been in hibernation of late. The offensive line needs to step up their game and DeMarco Murray is slumping badly. The Sooners need to get back to a balanced offense in order run the table in their remaining Big 12 schedule, which features three ranked opponents.

The Jayhawks are no push-over. The Fighting Manginos have a tough defense with very good linebackers and an explosive offense much like OU's. Currently, the Jayhawk passing offense is rated #7. The Sooners need to win big over this Kansas team and prove they are still dominant.

Prediction: Oklahoma 45 - Kansas 24.

Stoops, Sooners Keyed in on Kansas...soonersports.com

OU football: Sooners seek answers to running game woes...newsok.com

OU football notebook: Bradford will run, if needed...newsok.com

CBSSports.com 2008 Midseason All-America Team...sportsline.com