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Sink the sooners! Don't let the perfect record or No. 1 BCS ranking fool you--Oklahoma can be beaten, and here's the blueprint to do it.(See A Different Game)

The Sporting News

| November 03, 2003 | Dienhart, Tom | COPYRIGHT 2003 Sporting News Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)Copyright

Let's go ahead and cancel the rest of the season and crown Oklahoma king. Someone find out Bob Stoops' head size. Where's that cape and scepter? Cue up "Boomer Sooner" and summon the Sooner Schooner.

"If anyone asked me how to put together a game plan to beat them, I'd tell them, 'Good luck'" says North Texas coach Darrell Dickey, whose team lost, 37-3, to Oklahoma earlier this season. "Maybe if someone gets a hot hand throwing or can run, they could have a chance. I just know I don't want to play them again. They don't have any weaknesses in their talent or scheme."

C'mon! These guys aren't the '72 Dolphins. The Sooners can be had. Remember, each of the last two years, folks were ready to fast-forward Oklahoma to the national championship game. Each season, the Sooners unceremoniously were dumped by Oklahoma State--which happens to be who they play this weekend.

How can Okie State, or any of Oklahoma's remaining foes, sink the Sooners? Glad you asked. We contacted coaches who have seen the "unbeatable" Sooners up close this fall. We asked them questions, and then more questions, searching for ideas to include in our "Beat OU" blueprint. We then digested their input and developed a formula to foil the Sooners.

1. Pressure quarterback Jason White. You need to hit and harass White, who's sitting in the pocket more this year. But to do that, you often have to blitz. That means playing man coverage. If the blitz is picked up, White is likely to strike for a big play. Still, you have to gamble and not let White get comfortable. Playing a conservative zone will allow him to work unfettered.

2. Run the ball on the edges. Not wide, but through the tackles. The best plays? Counters, reverses, traps and draws. The athletic and fast Sooners love to attack upfield, often overpursuing and getting out of ...

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