Last minute notes on today's big showdown with Air Force and Oklahoma. First off, Air Force is a 16.5 underdog to number seven Oklahoma that seems a bit high in my opinion. That number could be a reality if Air Force's top running backs --Asher Clark and Jared Tew -- sit out any significant time due to injury:
Tew has a hand injury and Clark has an ankle injury. If either one doesn’t play, or they’re limited, that will set Air Force’s offense back. There’s not too much experience at tailback after Clark, so a young player like Darius Jones would be on the spot if he gets a bigger role.
Air Force does spread the ball to many different runners, but Tew and Clark are the main runners who can do the most damage to opposing teams.
Oklahoma has no significant player out of this game. The only player is backup running back Brennan Clay who is doubtful with a head and neck injury. He was not expected to contribute much in this game.
The big matchup to watch in this game will be in secondary with Air Force's DB Reggie Rembert against Oklahoma's WR Ryan Broyles. Last season, Broyles had 89 catches for 1,120 yards and 15 touchdowns. Expect the Falcons to have a linebacker or safety shadow Broyles as well to try to limit his production.
Air Force is the obvious favorite and here is a sample of final score predictions from The Oklahoman:
Jake Trotter: OU, 44-14
Mike Baldwin: OU, 34-20
Berry Tramel: OU, 41-21
Jenni Carlson: OU, 41-17
Brandon Chatmon: OU, 42-20
John Helsley: OU, 35-20
Mike Sherman: OU, 42-14
Not a shocker that they would have the Sooners as an easy win, but to keep the Air Force faithful optimistic, Utah State nearly upset Oklahoma two weeks ago.