College Football Preview Week 7 Oklahoma vs Texas 2009

It's Red River Rivalry week as the Oklahoma Sooners (#20) take on the Texas Longhorns (#3).

This year's game may have lost some luster due to Oklahoma losing twice - BYU and Miami- but those games were mostly without their Heisman trophy winning Quarterback Sam Bradford.

But Bradford came back last week versus Baylor and while he wasn't perfect (27 for 49) he did throw for 389 yards and 1 TD in a 33-7 victory. It was a great tune-up for this week's game.

Texas sits pretty at #3 in the nation, but really hasn't faced any stiff competition other than Texas Tech which they won 34-24 in Austin.

The winner of this game will have the inside track to the Big 12 South Division. And we all  remembered what happened last year with the ugly 3-way tie going to Oklahoma despite losing to Texas last year 45-35.

Now on to this week's picks!

This game has National Title implications. Texas must win this game if they want to stay ahead of other notable 1-loss teams in the mix which have played bigger games. Along with their relatively soft schedule the rest of the way, they will definitely need this victory if they want a chance at the BCS title.

Oklahoma has a few tough games up ahead with road games at Kansas and at Nebraska, so they could possibly squeeze back into the mix with a big win over Texas.

Given what we've seen this far in the season, I have to give the slight edge to Oklahoma. They have played a much tougher schedule than Texas has thus far, and are 'road tested' if you will. I think Texas playing their light schedule so far will hurt them. Oklahoma's D has been impressive for the most part, with Gerald McCoy leading the way. Take the Sooners and the points.

Take Oklahoma (+3.5)

We have the mighty Trojans going against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Since losing to Washington a few weeks ago, USC has been putting on the squeeze against teams on the defensive side of the ball, holding it's last two opponents to 9 points total.

USC has won 7-games in a row versus the Irish and look to continue their domination.

Jimmy Clausen comes in looking like the better Quarterback between the two teams, which is difficult to say given the recent history of these two programs. But if the Irish want a shot at victory, he will need to play his best, which he has shown he is capable of doing this season.

USC just seems to have a slight edge once again against Notre Dame. Their defense is stout while their offense is average. Notre Dame has Clausen to make some plays but in the end, defense is what wins games. I look for USC in a close one. So take the Irish with the points.

Take Notre Dame (+10)

The ole ball coach travels to 'bama to face the #2 team in the nation.

Alabama has looked like possibly the best team in the nation, but I am going to give credit to South Carolina as they are playing lights out defense as of late. They had a few wild games with Kentucky and Georgia, but when those teams come into town you can pretty much throw logic out the window.

The Crimson Tide played a great game versus supposed rival Mississippi and totally outplayed them. 

As good as 'Bama has been playing, I do not foresee this game getting out of hand. South Carolina has been playing good D and should hang around for most of the game. As long as Stephen Garcia and crew can protect the ball they should be in the game until the 4th quarter.  Then it will be Mark Ingram time and Alabama should close them out.

Take South Carolina (+17)