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OU Says It Can Handle UF's Speed

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By KARL HYPPOLITE

Tribune Correspondent

Published: January 6, 2009

MIAMI - A lot has been said about Coach Urban Meyer's desire to have the fastest team in the nation and many would argue that he finally has achieved his goal this season.

But while some experts believe that Florida's speed - especially on the defensive side of the ball - may be a deciding factor in Thursday's national championship game, Oklahoma QB and Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford does not appear to be overly concerned.

"Obviously we know they're fast. You can tell by watching tape, but you can't get overwhelmed by their speed. We just have to prepare and do what we do," he said.

While many would think a more conservative defensive approach would be appropriate when playing an offense as explosive as Florida's, the Sooners intend on being aggressive.

"You have to attack them from all angles," DB Nic Harris said. "You can't let an offense like that get comfortable and let them do what they want to do. You have to attack them."

DOORS OPEN

After Oklahoma suffered a heartbreaking loss to Texas early on Oct. 11 it appeared the Sooners' national title hopes had been thwarted, especially considering that they still faced tough matchups at Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

More than their own dominating performances, the Sooners know they have Texas Tech's last-second victory against the Longhorns to thank for the opportunity to play for a national championship.

"At that point we still had a lot left on our schedule," LB Travis Lewis said "We still had a lot, a mountain to climb after that so there was some satisfaction, but you still have to go out there and play the games, but we could see the light and that was good."

CUT THE HEAD OFF

Florida's ability to stop Oklahoma's explosive offense has been a key storyline for nearly a month, but the Sooners also realize that slowing the Gators' offense will be the key to victory.

While no one has had much success in slowing Florida since its loss to Mississippi, the Sooners believe the key is limiting just one player.

"You've got to cut the head off the snake," DB Nic Harris said. "It all starts with QB Tim Tebow. He's the general, a warrior. I'm from Louisiana and I've talked to a bunch of LSU guys in SEC country. They said they gave him their best shot. He went down and he got up. They gave him 100 percent, we'll give him like 540 percent."

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