(Music).
>> Let's go! Boomer! Boomer! Texas!
>> Give it up one more time for Coach Stoops.
(Music)
(Cheering)
>> Here we go.
(Music)
ROB STONE: Sunny, steamy, and loud in Norman this morning. Two old rivals colliding again, Nebraska and Oklahoma from the Palace on the Prairie.
(Music)
ROB STONE: It is a battle of the big reds.
>> Fans are fired up today.
>> Yes, they are.
ROB STONE: Last season Spencer Rattler became the first freshman in Big 12 history to lead the conference in passing yards. Over 3,000. He is already over 500. Adrian Martinez, last weekend win over Buffalo, 354 total yards, two passing touchdowns. You see he is nimble as well. He can get those yards with his legs or his arm. Every day is game day with Wendy's, the official breakfast of the NCAA. Choose wisely. Choose Wendy's.
Good morning, Northern Oklahoma!
(Cheering).
>> They're ready. They're ready.
>> Hey, Rob. They've been bringing it all morning.
ROB STONE: No one out there is sweating more than Matt Leinart.
MATT LEINART: I cooled off right now. I'm feeling good. You don't want me to take this jacket off, that's for sure, though.
ROB STONE: Are you aware that the winningest head coach in Oklahoma history, Big Noon Bob, is here?
(Cheering).
>> Boomer! Boomer!
REGGIE BUSH: I like how you added the Big Noon Bob there. You big noon Bob now.
ROB STONE: It is a big day for Bob for multiple reasons. At the end of the first quarter today, Coach is going to be honored for being elected to the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
BOB STOOPS: Thank you, man.
REGGIE BUSH: With some amazing shoes, I might add.
BOB STOOPS: I got the Jordan 23s. They're still taking care of me at OSU.
BRADY QUINN: Put the leg up there, Coach.
REGGIE BUSH: There they go. They clean, too. They ain't got no dirt on them.
BOB STOOPS: I was tired of you guys showing me up.
ROB STONE: Hey, Coach, Coach. Size 9 down at the end of the table. Time for the Discover match-up report. Who is going to meet their match. Florida meet the top ranked defending national champs to the Swamp.
Auburn visits Penn State. Massive non-conference "White Out" matchup.
After a pair of escapes to open the season, Notre Dame, they host Purdue in South Bend, and out west No. 19 Arizona State traveling to No. 23 BYU.
Happy Valley, that's where 22nd ranked Auburn will experience a white out. Auburn's first Big Ten road game since 1931. It is one of five games this week that feature a Big Ten team taking on a top 25 opponent. An Auburn win would certainly forecast some extra spice to SEC West race. Reggie, why do you like the Nittany Lions in this one?
REGGIE BUSH: I like their defense. When I had a chance to watch them against Wisconsin, I loved what I saw. I was very encouraged by what I saw especially after what Penn State went through last year. One of the most important stats that I love is they have not yet committed a turnover, and on defense they're getting the ball back. They're getting extra possessions back to their offense.
And on offense Sean Clifford is playing mistake-free football. Those are the two most important facts for Penn State. I like Penn State in this game against Auburn.
BOB STOOPS: First, I want to give kudos, big respect to the athletic directors for putting this matchup together. College football fans love seeing games like this.
I worry about Penn State for this reason. I saw them -- we all saw them play against Wisconsin. If Wisconsin can make a handoff in the red zone, Penn State is going to be on the losing side of that game. I like Bo Nix and what he has done so far this year and I like Bryan Harsin working with Bo Nix. I believe that will be a positive outcome. I believe Auburn is going to win. White outs don't win games. I know they sure do help, though.
REGGIE BUSH: They help.
BOB STOOPS: Bo Nix has struggled on the road. I think this is going to be his breakthrough right there.
REGGIE BUSH: That was one of the things I was going to talk about. Bo Nix on the road versus at home has been two different players. What he is going to look like in Penn State against the white out, Coach, that you said is not a factor.
BOB STOOPS: Transition to Notre Dame Stadium, where the Irish are set to face Purdue. We have a controversy: For the first time since 1979 Purdue will not be allowed to bring its 100-year-old giant bass drum because it won't fit through the visitor's tunnel. The Irish telling the good folks that wrangle the 10-foot tall, 565 pound World's Largest Drum, they cannot bring it through the home tunnel, which would have enough space to accommodate it. I was outraged. I am outraged by Notre Dame. Find a solution.
BRADY QUINN: They have some --
BOB STOOPS: This is a tit-for-tat move.
REGGIE BUSH: It's called shade.
BRADY QUINN: They could try to airdrop it in. It's going to be a good football game.
BOB STOOPS: We're going to see Notre Dame in Chicago. Chicago, bring your signs. We're going to get you on television. Can't wait for Notre Dame-Wisconsin. Notre Dame has to get through this test with Purdue first, and they've barely gotten through the first two games.
BRADY QUINN: Coming into the season, guys, we all talked about this. There was a lot of changes, right, and in particular on the offensive line. You had four new starters coming in, and I think they're still trying to develop some chemistry. They've had a lot of injuries. They're on the third string left tackle at this point, and defensively you have a new defensive coordinator in Marcus Freeman from Cincinnati, and it hasn't gone well so far. They've given up more 60-plus yard plays in two games than they did the previous three years. There needs to be time for everyone to develop that chemistry, mesh together, understand the scheme, and they will be challenged by Jack Plummer. He can put up a bunch of yards through the air. David Bell is a tough receiver. It's the two quarterbacks for Notre Dame. We saw it last week. Jack came in, takes care of the football. Delivers the strikes to Michael Mayer, the best tight end in the country. Then Tyler Buchner, the freshman quarterback, he adds that dynamic ability in the back field. Running the football, he can throw too. I have never been a fan of the two-quarterback system, but right now they need it. It's that change-up that, Coach, you know this. When you're a D coordinator, calling the defense, you have to change your game plan when you have a different quarterback in there. That's the advantage. Notre Dame wins today, we'll see them next week in Chicago.
BOB STOOPS: How about Jack Coan and that holy finger? Putting that in place for me. Ah, I got it. Throw me a dart.
MATT LEINART: Give the boy some love, man. He is tough as nails.
ROB STONE: Let's go to Provo, Utah, No. 23 newly invited member of the Big 12 BYU hosts 19th ranked Arizona State. Too bad the Cougars aren't in the PAC-12 because they would be on top of the standings at 2-0. Wins over Arizona and Utah already, Matty.
MATT LEINART: Reggie and I played in Provo. It's a very tricky stadium. Good fans there.
BRADY QUINN: Altitude.
MATT LEINART: It's a tough place to play, so Arizona State will have their hands full. As you said, they're going for their third win against the PAC-12 South. This is another résumé builder for BYU. They're doing a great job so far this year. The biggest question for me and this team was, how do you replace Zach Wilson, one of the top picks in the draft?
Jaren Hall, their quarterback, has been outstanding so far this season. A true dual-threat quarterback. They've played a really tough defense last week against Utah. We know what Kyle Whittingham does. We always talk about this, Brady, you just hit on it, a running quarterback, his ability to stress a defense right here, running all over Utah . And then when things break down, his ability to throw the football and make plays. He is averaging about 65 yards per game on the ground. The combination of that with Tyler Alger, their running back . This is a very physical offense that's reliant on their dual-threat quarterback. I like them against Arizona State today. Arizona State is a good team. They just haven't been tested yet.
BOB STOOPS: He has a nice little swagger to him. They're not cocky but certainly confident.
ROB STONE: The Outkick bus tour featuring Clay Travis. We're going to go to Clay in Gainesville again ahead of the match between the Tide and Florida.
Being a quarterback at Oklahoma certainly comes with high expectations. Spencer Rattler and Lincoln Riley sit down with our Coach Stoops to talk about how Spencer has handled the spotlight.
Tom Rinaldi joins us as he takes a look back at one of the all-time great games in college football history, The '71 matchup between No. 1 Nebraska and No. 2 Oklahoma.
Is that Markese?
BOB STOOPS: Part of that good run game. They have to get him going. Obviously, the run game, keeping that offense off the field and establish the run with Martinez in step today.
REGGIE BUSH: Hey, Markese, I'm going to be waiting for you in the end zone, man.
ROB STONE: Coach, they're everywhere, man. They're everywhere. Pretty good life you have, Coach. I'm not going to lie.
BOB STOOPS: I'm working on it.
ROB STONE: You don't need any work, my friend. Let's take business through this mayhem inside.
(Music)
(Cheering)
ROB STONE: I'm following you, Coach.
(Music.)
ROB STONE: Welcome back to FOX Big Noon Kickoff sponsored by Wendy's, official breakfast of NCAA football. Great look at the field here at Memorial Stadium.
In case you missed it earlier, duck and cover. That's the king, and he is armed.
BOB STOOPS: Oh, man.
MATT LEINART: How great to see Barry Switzer out here.
ROB STONE: We're lucky we found Reggie after he got out from hiding under the desk. So good to have the king with us the Bootlegger's son, Barry Switzer, who's still got it.
Tom Rinaldi alongside Joel Klatt will be on the call with Gus Johnson and Jenny Taft. The boys making their way over here to Memorial Stadium. There's another big matchup, many on a packed Saturday. Top 25 between Auburn and Penn State. The first whiteout in almost two years, and for more on that, time for a dose of tradition, sponsored by Dos Equis.
(Music playing).
>> The Penn State White Out. A gathering of 107,000 friends and family clad together in an army of white. It all started with this guy.
(Music).
>> I don't think anybody was real thrilled with the intensity of the game day experience at Penn State.
>> He said we need something big, so --
>> We started first with the student White Out and said perhaps if we dress them alike, they might feel more emboldened, more like an army, and they were.
(Music).
>> You can see the sea of white. The White Out.
>> Of course, the student section came up big.
>> Then there was pressure, well, let's do the whole stadium. We did everything we could. There was no Instagram or Twitter. There were signs along the highways that said, "Everyone wear white next week," and then just held our breath.
(Music).
>> We've had some pretty big White Outs. In 2013 an overtime win versus Michigan.
>> Penn State has done it.
>> 2016 No. 2, Ohio State.
>> You want to talk about loud --
(Cheering).
>> Jim Harbaugh called a timeout. The first play of the game.
>> Today the White Out is bigger than ever.
>> I think it's become a bucket-list event for sports fans all over the world.
>> It's one of the most powerful traditions in college football.
>> And tonight the tradition continues. I guess we'll see how that flies in a sea of white.
(Music).
TOM RINALDI: So great to see our friend Guido get some airtime.
Joel, some great traditions. You have been there and absorbed it. It's incredible.
JOEL KLATT: I think it's one of the most unique environments in all of college football. Auburn is in for one of the toughest environments that they've ever played in. I know they play in big environments, but this one is going to be unique.
TOM RINALDI: An iconic setting which segues to our iconic matchup sponsored by the all-electric 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ.
It has been 50 years since the '71 "Game of the Century," which we're marking. For the first 45, The two programs had nearly identical winning percentages. Over the last five years, the last half decade, two very different directions.
Scott Frost came much ballyhooed and celebrated. A favorite son who delivered a national championship, Joel. By any measure, including his own, it has not gone the way he would have expected now this deep into the tenure. Where are we ? And I know you have a different thought on how you evaluate his tenure.
JOEL KLATT: Yeah. Listen, when you talk with coaches around the country, In particular coaches that are in the midst or have taken place with a massive rebuild, a culture rebuild or roster rebuild, they'll tell you that normally you lose big before you ever lose small. Tom, then you lose small before you ever win small, and then you win small before you win big. That's the trajectory of a rebuild, and I think that Nebraska is at the tipping point right now between that losing small and winning small.
Frost started 0-6. He has rebuilt the roster. He has rebuilt the culture at Nebraska, and admittedly, it's been harder than he thought, but think about this, In their last seven games, they're 21 points away from having a seven-game win streak. That's the tipping point I'm talking about.
TOM RINALDI: But when we hear Scott Frost himself say, it's the same old movie after laying an egg in the season opener, what cause for alarm do you see, and how much responsibility, Joel, lies with coaching?
JOEL KLATT: Two things. One is you got to play cleaner. The turnovers have to stop, and the penalties have been a big issue, but it's also a belief factor within the locker room.
Tom, that team has to start believing they can win their games. They've got four games on the schedule. I think they're going to have to steal this year. It could be today. Michigan, Wisconsin or Iowa. One of those four, they're going to have to win.
TOM RINALDI: Big challenges and big opportunities. Certainly one today.
Today an iconic day for our friends at Cadillac. Reserve your all-electric 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ today. Reservations begin 4:00 Eastern, 1:00 Pacific. Go to Cadillac.com. Don't just take my word for it.
(Commercial).
TOM RINALDI: You are everywhere. Gives himself the clap. Gives himself the clap.
JOEL KLATT: It feels so bizarre to see that, right? The car is phenomenal. It's incredible. I got a chance to be around it that day. Can't wait to see it in person.
TOM RINALDI: Again, 4:00 Eastern, 1:00 Pacific, the reservations begin today.
So much more on Big Noon. Up next, well, we're going to see the Tide roll into the Swamp, and Brady Quinn will explain why the decision at quarterback could be the Gators' best chance to pull off the upset.
Back inside Memorial Stadium here. We've talked about 86,000 strong. There's Marvin Mims. He is seeking his first receiving touchdown this season, but how about averaging more than 22 yards a catch in an electrifying offense which, no surprise, has come under the stewardship of Lincoln Riley. It has been a seamless transition, and we will make the transition as we welcome the boys back to the desk on "Big Noon."
(Music).
BOB STOOPS: FOX Big Noon Kickoff sponsored by All State. Save money like a champion with Allstate.
And by Cerveza Dos Equis. Please drink responsibly.
Eric Gray went from the orange of Tennessee to the crimson and cream of Oklahoma in the offseason, and that transition has put him with a club that has national title aspirations.
>> This feels like a serious playoff football game.
>> Doesn't it?
(Music).
>> What a play. Unbelievable.
>> Talk about the second ever.
>> Are you kidding me?
>> Alabama has got big defensive player.
>> There goes Richardson.
>> See ya.
>> Wow.
>> He's got it!
>> How about that?
>> It's about to go down right now.
BOB STOOPS: Clay is trying out to be a Gator cheerleader. That's Gator bait. That's Gator bait. He ain't cutting it there. The Outkick bus tour in Gainesville for tonight's sold-out showdown between Bama and Florida. Will this be win number one over a number one inside the Swamp? It's going to be tough. Especially since Dan Mullen hasn't sorted out who his QB1 is.
BRADY QUINN: He said earlier this week that there's not a QB controversy, but the problem I would say is you kind of do have one because you have this young man, Anthony Richardson, who I think is very deserving of the starting job, and just look at this production so far this season. I mean, he is averaging over 230 total yards per game right now, and he only has gotten limited opportunities. I think he has a bigger arm. He is better playing from the pocket, and, fellows, when he takes off, he is an absolute force running the football, so I never really understand when coaches are trying to get a young guy in the field like this, trying to get them more, maybe he should just stay on the field once you put him in.
If Florida has any shot at winning this game, they've got to have dynamic quarterback play. Richardson gives them that opportunity, and obviously their defense has to step up in a big way.
ROB STONE: They obviously see something in Emory Jones as well. You're right, if you are going to beat Alabama, you need a monster game from your quarterback. The last six quarterbacks to beat Alabama, their stats: 17 TDs, zero interceptions. We beat them in the Sugar Bowl in 2014. Our quarterback, Trevor Knight, the game of his life. Almost 360 yards passing, four TDs.
MATT LEINART: The other quarterback in this game, how special has Bryce Young been through the first two weeks. Leads the SEC in passing touchdowns with seven . And for me it's not the talent that sticks out, it's the composure, the poise in the pocket. He looks like a seasoned vet, and he has only played a couple of games. This is week one against Miami. How about this with the blitz in his face, throwing off his back foot, converting a key third down early in that football game.
And then I love this, look, they get good pressure on him in the pocket. He keeps his eyes down field right now. The feet to get outside . Most quarterbacks would tuck and run right here. He knows he is going it take a shot. Gets crushed but then he delivers a nice ball down the field.
And then this is what I'm talking about. When you go through progressions, he starts with his eyes left and works back to the right, and then he manipulates the defense, hits his tight end over the ball for a touchdown. He is just wise amongst his years. It's very, very impressive. And very few times do we see these young quarterbacks, when the game slows down, the game is slowed down, but you talk about going to the Swamp, and that challenge and that atmosphere, that defensive front, this will be a great test for the young quarterback.
REGGIE BUSH: I really don't know what to say because Alabama is the best at everything. They got the best quarterback, with the best coach, with the best offensive line, with the best defense. Like, what else are you supposed to do against a team like that?
BOB STOOPS: I got one for you: Their running game. Ninth in the SEC in yards per carry right now. If you're going to win a national title, you've got to be able to run the ball.
REGGIE BUSH: It doesn't matter as long as they got that quarterback throwing that football like that.
BRADY QUINN: Whether or not Will Anderson plays, their outstanding edge rusher, that's going to be a key factor too. He may be the best of all of them.
REGGIE BUSH: They could be the 100 rushing team, and they'll still win the national championship.
BOB STOOPS: I'm trying to help you out, Reg.
ROB STONE: As Nebraska and OU resume their rivalry, we look back at the epic '71 clash. A meeting still known to many as the "Game of the Century." That one coming up next. Mario Williams leads all Big 12 freshmen in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
BRADY QUINN: This is the problem, you have a number of wide-outs, you have to be concerned with their big-play ability, Mario Williams is just that.
ROB STONE: Adrian Martinez, we talked about a quarterback going against Alabama has to have a game of his life. Martinez needs one of those types of games today.
BRADY QUINN: He has to be special. The thing he has done great so far, he is not turning the football over. We know how dynamic he is when he runs the football. There's going to be some big plays for him to be made today.
(Music).
(Commercial).
(Music).
BRADY QUINN: Oklahoma Stadium opened up in 1923. Beautiful facility. Capacity says 80,126. I have a feeling a few more might work their way in today for this one. Time for Championship Impact sponsored by All State. Who will be celebrating today, 354 yards of total offense, two scores for Adrian Martinez last week. He has to do it again.
BRADY QUINN: He has to. He really is the fire starter to this offense. He is the big-play maker. Everything runs through him in this offense, and, Matt, as you said earlier, he has to play clean football, no turnovers.
ROB STONE: Oklahoma has a nice special teams weapons, Coach.
BOB STOOPS: I've got a surprise for everybody: I'm going with Gabe Brkic and the field goal team. 2019, Gabe was 69 out of 69, Perfect on all kicks. This year already in two games he has four over 50. Two of them for 56 yards.
ROB STONE: I don't know what impress me more, the 'stache or the chain. That's a lot. That's why you put kickers on scholarship. Last night OU they held their leg as Legends & Legacies Dinner. Celebrating the rivalry's greatest moments, players, coaches. This matchup has given us such a long list among the honored guests. The Selmon brothers, and, of course, you Coach Stoops. It's so good to see the Selmon brothers.
BOB STOOPS: It was a great event. Both programs, players, coaches, administrations together celebrating this game, but also the dedication of the Selmon statue that you saw right at the beginning, and Dewey and Lucious Selmon, they got a new statue, going to be unveiled next year. Really special. A great, great family. What a great legacy.
ROB STONE: Leroy, I mean, top-notch human being.
BOB STOOPS: All those brothers, as nasty and tough as they were, they are sweetheart of people.
ROB STONE: Love it. There have been multiple games that try to market and label themselves as the Game of the Century, but none match of up to the Thanksgiving Day Classic of '71. Two powerhouse programs on a collision course. It exceeded all expectations. With that we welcome back Tom Rinaldi with more on a game for the ages.
TOM RINALDI: Rob, we're awash in numbers, and sometimes we think that numbers can't possibly begin to describe an experience or a memory or a moment, but sometimes they can. 27 of the starters who played in this game 50 years ago were drafted. The two staffs produced 12 head coaches . More than 55 million people watched in a game that exceeded the hype before hype even existed.
(Music).
TOM RINALDI: If time is indeed a flat circle, then memory is what gives time its depth, and for half a century here the depth and reach of a single game still overshadows all others.
>> We just had no idea it would last the test of time. 50 years later to be still acknowledged as that great of a game as it was.
>> If you live in Nebraska or Oklahoma, this is always the "Game of the Century." It certainly lived up to its billing.
(Cheering).
>> A game for number one. Unbeaten and untied Nebraska versus unbeaten and untied Oklahoma.
(Music).
>> 1971. The best defense in the land against the best offense in the country.
>> We had a track meet every week in 1971. We weren't playing football. We were making yards. We averaged 472 yards a game for 11 games. That's a national record. It still stands today and will not be broken.
>> We were clear cut No. 1 all the way through the season. Nobody came close to us that year.
>> This is for all the marbles, the Super Bowl of college football.
>> In Nebraska winning isn't everything, but we do rate it right up there with oxygen. It's pretty darn important. Whoever won that game pretty much could win the National Championship.
>> We were too good. If we didn't beat ourselves, nobody could beat us, and the difference in that game was we beat ourselves, and I'm the number one culprit of that.
(Music).
>> It happened as Nebraska struck first on one of the most indelible plays in college football history.
>> Here's Riley's kick. It's high.
>> We never fair caught. Some kind of way we're going to return this ball. Greg Pruitt, who is a great friend of mine, he was determined to make sure that didn't happen.
>> Johnny and I had been bragging to each other. It kind of baited me because I wanted to get him on national TV, so rather than break down like we had practiced all week, I didn't. I went right at him.
>> Rodgers takes the ball. He is hit and got away.
>> I grabbed him and couldn't hold him. Two guys missed him.
>> Up field to the 35, to the 40.
>> I hit the sideline kind of quick of, getting a few blocks.
>> There were some questionable blocks on that play.
>> Holy moly. Man, women, and child did that put them in the aisle. Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers just tore them loose from their shoes.
>> We were lucky it happened early in the game. Something we didn't dwell on. It's something we had to overcome, and we did.
>> Touchdown, Oklahoma, Jon Harrison. It's a touchdown. Oklahoma leads.
>> After trading leads, Nebraska trailed with just five minutes left.
>> Third down and eight. The snap could very well decide it.
>> Our plan is that we're going to run as much as we can. If we have problems, they're coming to me.
>> He wants a receiver. He throws. Complete to Johnny Rodgers.
>> That's a super catch. A super catch.
>> I'll put it in for the first down, which in my mind is really the biggest play of the game.
>> If they don't make that play, we get the ball, and we get to run out the clock.
>> Nebraska finished the drive, taking the lead and would not give it back.
>> The ballgame is over, and Nebraska still No. 1.
>> I think this here means more to us now than winning the Orange Bowl last year. We could win be national champions right now. Right now. Nobody is stopping us.
>> We were able to win, and they're still talking about possibly that could be the greatest game in college football. It was really the real deal.
>> The result remains, but somehow it matters less than the memory, cherished by both sides even after half a century.
>> Oklahoma and Nebraska got great traditions, so when you put a game between two great teams with one of the best games ever, then that tradition helps keep that alive.
>> You know, they didn't win the game. They appreciated the memories. It isn't all about just the final score. Both teams, I think, are proud to have been part of it.
TOM RINALDI: It's just great to relive it and see that old film, isn't it? Each year Rodgers presents The Jet Award to college football's top returner. It's a great evening, and it has a great trophy featuring, of course, Rodgers during that seminal iconic punt return. If you look closely, right behind him forever sketched in bronze, Rob, you'll see Greg Pruitt missing the tackle for all eternity. Just another way friends love to get on friends.
ROB STONE: It's like Brady's reminded about the Bush Push.
REGGIE BUSH: We're still friends, though, right? We're still friendly.
ROB STONE: This was during the feature, and Oklahoma and Nebraska exchanging pleasantries right there in midfield.
REGGIE BUSH: They're just saying hi to each other. That's all. Just saying hi.
ROB STONE: Coach, did you like seeing things from your team in situations like this game?
BOB STOOPS: Absolutely. They're ready to play, both sides. You can tell they understand the meaning of this game.
ROB STONE: It's interesting, Scott Frost saying we've got a lot to gain and very little to lose in this one. Nebraska sending it 2-1, trying to get back to national relevance, and national relevance is exactly where this Oklahoma program is. That's what happens when you win seven national titles and have seven Heisman Trophy winners.
Year five for Lincoln Riley. I know it is a small snapshot, Coach, but does it have the makings to be his best team yet?
BOB STOOPS: It's early in the season, and we'll see. I believe they've got a better defense. They've got more skill and talent on defense and more depth than they've had in a number of years, and we'll see if Spencer Rattler and the offense can keep up with that high octane, what we've been used to seeing OU do.
BRADY QUINN: We've only seen two games, but the biggest concern for Lincoln Riley teams has been the defense. I think Alex Grinch has done a great job, but if you go back to the four playoff losses, they've given up nearly 50 points per game when they get to the playoff. It's not the offense. It's the defense.
They have six take-aways so far through two games. They're doing a great job of creating opportunities for their offense, but I have to see more. This is an opportunity against Adrian Martinez and an offense that can run the football with Nebraska to continue to get better, and we'll see how this team looks at the end of the season.
BRADY QUINN: There's no doubt, they're the top of the Big 12. They're going to win. They're going to get a shot to play in it. I think it comes down to as much as it's about the defense, too, who they're playing up against. We look at Alabama is by far and away the number one team. We'll see as the season goes along, but outside that, I don't know that there's another team outside of Oklahoma that stands to test Alabama. Maybe Georgia, but if they lose in the SEC Championship game in Alabama, do they even get in even if that's the only loss? The bottom line is I kind of look and say it has a lot to do with everyone else around them too.
REGGIE BUSH: It's all good. Go ahead.
ROB STONE: We'll find out a lot about this Nebraska team. Slow start with the Illinois loss. They bounce back with a couple of wins, and now a massive road test in Norman.
Some breaking news from our insider, Bruce Feldman. Oklahoma DBs Bowman, Washington not expected to play for the Sooners. That certainly changes the dynamics of this one.
BRADY QUINN: That could open up some things even in the passing game, Coach. You'd know better than we would how big of a loss this is.
BOB STOOPS: It's a big loss. That's their number one nickel back and their number one corner in Woodi Washington. That's significant.
ROB STONE: That's Braxton Burmeister, the quarterback for No. 15 Virginia Tech. Tough road test coming up on FS1. They are at West Virginia.
Coach Harbaugh has the gloves on. How the hands looking, Reg?
REGGIE BUSH: The khakis on and the cleats.
BRADY QUINN: It's like navy blue pants now. Not the khakis.
ROB STONE: I need to see him put the hands up and do the run. That's next level, Coach Harbaugh.
BRADY QUINN: He thinks he is still playing.
BOB STOOPS: Look at that mug. That's a game face mug. Game face.
(Music)
(Commercial) .
(Music).
>> Deliver in the end zone.
>> Touchdown, Alabama!
>> Unbelievable! How do you do?
>> Welcome to college football.
(Music).
>> Jacksonville State has won it.
>> Are you sure this isn't heaven?
>> This is heaven, I tell you what.
ROB STONE: Two-time ACC Coach of the Year Luke Fickell has Cincinnati at No. 8. There might be some chatter about Mr. Fickell doing real estate shopping in Southern California.
Cade McNamara in Michigan first time this year they're ranked at No. 25 this season. Two passing touchdowns, zero interceptions for the Wolverine QB.
BRADY QUINN: Don't fall off to those running backs.
ROB STONE: Smart. Right, Reggie? How hard is it to game plan?
REGGIE BUSH: I mean, that's what I would do.
ROB STONE: Beautiful scenes in Norman. Weather -- temperature starting to turn up a little bit in the mid 80s. You can win money on the free-to-play FOX Bet Super 6 app during the college football season. Download the app, Pick six college winners and their margin of victory for a shot at $25,000.
Auburn, they have outscored the opposition 122-10, but the opposition hasn't exactly been at the Penn State level, Brady.
BRADY QUINN: The White Out there at Happy Valley . I think they take control of this game. They're playing much better football. Not turning the football over. Defensively it will be a challenge for Bo Nix, who's struggled on the road. I like Penn State by three.
REGGIE BUSH: USC has Washington State in Pullman today. I like USC to win by three. Obviously, they're going through some changes at the head coaching position, but I like what Donte Williams is already doing. I got USC by three.
BRADY QUINN: I got Virginia Tech-West Virginia. Love this Virginia Tech defense, giving up only 12 points per game. Nine sacks. I think they slow down Doege and Leddie Brown and that Mountaineer offense. Give me Virginia Tech by three.
BOB STOOPS: Oklahoma State at Boise State. I live in the state of Oklahoma, and I'm never picking Boise State. Oklahoma State by three.
REGGIE BUSH: I love it.
BOB STOOPS: I've got good reason not to pick them.
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ROB STONE: Well done, Coach. The defense in Nebraska has limited their last two opponents to less than ten points. Oklahoma, though, is not Fordham or Buffalo. They are the Sooners who have only punted one time this season. They win it by 21.
We go back to Gainesville. Will a two-QB system get an upset win over No. 1 Bama. Clay?
Clay Thomas: Rob, I don't think they're going to pull off the upset, but AR-15 is on fire right now. If his hamstring is okay, I think they can keep it close. I think they cover the 14.5. As Matt Leinart knows, it's my blood bank guarantee. By the way, for the game that you have today, I actually think Nebraska is going to come out and be a lot more competitive and play much better than they did against Illinois earlier this year. I love the Cornhuskers to cover the 22.5. It's time to get rich, kids. Let's make some money.
ROB STONE: A lot of the guys feel like you. Coach, is Nebraska being undervalued here?
BOB STOOPS: I believe so. They have a big physical defense, great linebacker play. You know, Adrian Martinez can get hot. I think he is the key, but I think they're better than everyone is giving them credit for.
BRADY QUINN: I think when you look at the matchup, to me Nebraska if they can run the football, which they've done all year, that's going to be key. Stay balanced, limit possessions to the high explosive offense for Oklahoma. I can't stress this enough, don't turn the football over. And we talked about with Scott Frost too, look for some trick plays. Look for some trick -- what do they have to lose? That's how he feels coming into this one.
BOB STOOPS: The number of hits Martinez takes, that's a big deal, how many hits he takes.
ROB STONE: Good point. Clay on the Outkick bus tour. Next week he has a home game, he will be in Nashville, second ranked Georgia taking on Vanderbilt. Those are our picks. You still have time to play at home. Download the FOX Bet Super 6 app to play. It is free. You can win $25,000.
The success of Sooner quarterbacks has turned OU into QBU. Lincoln Riley, Spencer Rattler, and our Coach Stoops talk Spencer's growth next.
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ROB STONE: Unbeaten and 15th ranked Virginia Tech set to take on West Virginia in Morgantown. The Black Diamond Trophy game. That's coming up Noon Eastern on FS1.
And we're coming up on Nebraska and Oklahoma from Norman, noon Eastern right here on FOX.
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>> We've got a huge game here. Two great teams. Two great conferences.
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>> I group with the Nebraska-Oklahoma rivalry. Went to a lot of their games, watched some great players on both sides. Haven't been back to Norman since I was a player, so I know our players are excited to have that opportunity.
>> I know the fans are going to be looking forward to this game a lot just because of the tradition behind the game, and as player you definitely have to respect that game and that opponent. Everybody is definitely going to be excited for that one, for sure.
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ROB STONE: This is Oklahoma's 136th consecutive sell-out of a regularly scheduled home game. That dates back to 1991. Wendy's deliver the kickoff, for a limited time get $0 delivery free and free six piece nuggs when you order in the Wendy's app.
Oklahoma marching band out there on the field. You go back to 2017, Coach Stoops surprisingly handed the Sooner reins over to his then 33-year-old offensive coordinator, Lincoln Riley. Boy, he has carried on that legacy that you helped rebuild.
BOB STOOPS: He really has. He is successful beyond his years. You know, 33. You think, well, can he do this? He was absolutely the right guy, but not only has he done an outstanding job as a head coach, as a play caller and quarterback coach he has been phenomenal. Just look at what he has done here. I had a chance here on Wednesday after practice to catch up with and he his newest protege, Spencer Rattler.
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BOB STOOPS: I got a new uniform. That's kind of unusual, isn't it, Spence? I still wear my OU stuff around here.
>> Yes, sir.
>> Good to see you, Coach. You all right?
BOB STOOPS: I'm great.
>> Lincoln Riley has another great quarterback leading the way for him.
BOB STOOPS: You are following the Heisman Trophy runner-up in Jalen Hurts and two Heisman winners in Baker and Kyler. How has it been trying to live up to those expectations and also yours?
>> I came here because of the rich tradition, the great coaches here. Since I got here, I've had nothing but fun with it. First year, learned a lot. Feel better this year. I just try to live up to my own expectations and try not to reach too far and just take it day by day, game by game, practice by practice and let it flow.
>> Baker was a big personality. Knew win to lock it in. Kyler almost the complete opposite, very competitive but more quiet and reserved. Jalen was very stoic and obviously played extremely well.
Spence has grown a lot. He came in in a COVID environment. On top of that, you are a red shirt freshman. It was very, very different. So there was a lot to learn in year one, and he did a great job, and you can just feel this year it just feels different.
>> Now we're going to get a QB change. Tanner Mordecai replacing Spencer Rattler.
BOB STOOPS: A year ago at Texas, that's a hard decision to pull your starting quarterback. Talk about your mental process and having the guts to pull your quarterback.
>> I thought Spencer just needed to settle down a little bit, and as you know, that game you can get pretty amped up pretty quick, especially your first one. I knew he could handle it. He has a natural confidence about himself.
>> I feel like it was the best thing for me. Just needed to settle down, knowing I had to go back in, play clean, go through my reads, play the game, and compete.
>> Rattler sliding. Touchdown, Oklahoma!
>> Brilliant throw from Rattler.
BOB STOOPS: Spencer, where has Coach Riley elevated you the most?
>> Coming out of high school I was really an aggressive player, really aggressive thrower. When I got up here, I tried to force too many throws. Something I learned from Coach is just being patient, going through your reads, trusting the pocket. Doing those little things that can help save your team at those certain moments.
BOB STOOPS: Where do you see the most growth from year one to year two and where can he take the next step?
>> He has improved physically and definitely put in a lot of work there, and you can see a difference with him, and I think mentally he is just more settled in with our system, more confident in his decision-making, and then just the experiences. You know, going through all that he did last year, the different games, the ups, the downs, it prepares you if you can fight through those things, and he has done it.
>> The Sooners have won the Big 12 Championship, and Big Red will head to the Big Ten.
BOB STOOPS: How have you guys embraced this rivalry that some of us older guys do so much, having been involved with it?
>> We try to look at the series as a whole, broke it down with the teams, Some of the numbers, some of the historical ramifications of the game.
>> Just knowing how rich of a tradition this game is, how big of a rivalry it is we're excited to get out there on Saturday and perform.
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ROB STONE: Coach, you ever take a ride in the Sooner scooter?
BOB STOOPS: I haven't been in it, thankfully.
ROB STONE: What do you mean? Do you not know anybody at this university that can make it happen?
BOB STOOPS: I have seen it tip over one time, but that's about it.
REGGIE BUSH: We saw that same one you saw, Coach.
BRADY QUINN: We know that Coach drives in style here.
BRADY QUINN: We've seen your ride. You don't need the scooter.
REGGIE BUSH: You see how they got the trailer going much slower this time.
BOB STOOPS: They put it closer to the ground, also.
ROB STONE: Gus Johnson was taking pictures by it.
Let's talk about this game. Everybody here likes Oklahoma. Coach, you like them by 17?
REGGIE BUSH: Uh-oh. Here we go. Got the hat. Oh, yeah. "Beat Nebraska." Okay. Okay. All right.
BRADY QUINN: All right.
ROB STONE: The "Beat Nebraska" lid is on. Coach Stoops, Oklahoma has made their way out.
Brady, why do you feel Oklahoma is the better team today?
BOB STOOPS: There you go.
BRADY QUINN: I think they're the more explosive team. Nebraska has to manufacture big plays or it has to come solely from Adrian Martinez. That's a problem. For Oklahoma they've got play makers everywhere. It really comes down to that defense for Oklahoma, and if they can be opportunistic and get some turnovers, I think they win big. I think they win by 24.
BOB STOOPS: I think Scott Frost has a better team than everyone is giving him credit for. It's a bigger team. He has had, year four, more time to build his roster. I think it's going to be a tougher game than everyone thinks.
BRADY QUINN: For me, my eyes are on Oklahoma's defense today. We talked about just the evolution of what they have to improve on. They have six take-aways so far in two games. They actually lead the FBS in fumble recoveries and forced fumbles, so they're doing a good job.
But, Brady, as you said, Adrian Martinez, there's some explosiveness to this offense. I want to see them continue that trend and play good defense today.
REGGIE BUSH: For me today is all about Spencer Rattler. It's about his ability to pitch the football down the field, protecting the football. I want to see him stay calm early because we saw him against the Tulane game. He got a little happy feet early. He pushed one down the field. He lobbed it up in the middle of the field, and it ended up in the interception.
If he just stays calm and just delivers the ball like he can, Oklahoma will run away with this.
BRADY QUINN: Don't be surprised by trick plays. Special teams too. Keep that in mind. Nebraska has nothing to lose, Rob.
ROB STONE: 68% of the games when Lincoln Riley has been on this Oklahoma staff, they have produced at least 500 yards of offense.
REGGIE BUSH: Wow.
ROB STONE: Staggering numbers. We'll see at halftime. For the call we go upstairs, Joel Klatt and Gus Johnson.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports