There are those who are trying to say if Oklahoma gets beat by West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl, it will be like losing to Boise State a year ago. Not so!

     What many have forgotten is that the this West Virginia team was one game away from playing for a national championship. If it doesn’t lose its quarterback it probably beats Pittsburgh and is playing Ohio State for a national title.

     This is a very good offensive team the Sooners will face. In fact, it might be the most dangerous offensive club OU will have faced all season. It is a diverse offense that can both run and throw the ball. It also has tremendous speed.

     The loss of Lendy Holmes to academics is very strange. Ever since Bob Stoops has arrived at Oklahoma, the Sooners have been able to stay away from their players getting sidelined because of books. OU does a great job of staying on top of its athletes.

     The loss of Holmes obviously hurts because Reggie Smith is out with a broken toe. Holmes has played extremely well this season. It will be interesting if Brian Jackson gets the call to be the replacement starter. The Sooner coaches have been high on his ability, but he just hasn’t seen a lot of action. . .

     JUST HOW big is Oklahoma State’s matchup with Indiana in the Insight Bowl? Real big!

     Just think about it. If the Pokes win the game they have their second consecutive winning season. But if they lose it they finish with a 6-7 mark and it would be two losing seasons for Mike Gundy in his three year stay at Oklahoma State.

     Also a loss would be a setback because critics would say the Pokes are going backwards. Last year they finished with a 7-6 mark. But the truth is the program is making progress. The schedule was just tougher this season and there was absolutely no need to go to Troy State and play a game.