Interview with a Boomer Sooner blog

The buzz is building around this weekend's classic OU-NU match up in the Big 12 Championship. To get an insider's view of the Sooners, we fired a few questions at Matt Hofeld of the fantastic Crimson and Cream Machine Oklahoma blog.

Keep reading for his take on OU's passing game, potential weaknesses in the defense, and keys to the game.

We've seen some pretty meager passing numbers for OU. Do you think the coaches are afraid to call pass plays or that they simply like how the run game is going?

Matt Hofeld at Crimson & Cream Machine: When judging Paul Thompson you can't go by yardage. You have to look at attitude and completion percentage. Thompson has been the calming influence for this team in the face of all the adversity they have faced this season. This young team looks up to him in so many different ways, they refer to Thompson (a 5th year senior) as Pops.

Thompson has completed 61.5% of his passes this season. He has had some really solid outings like the Texas Tech game. The reason why Oklahoma is a run first team and Thompson is a second option (sometimes a distant second) is because the Sooners are averaging 4.6 yards every time the run the ball.

There is a lot of talk here about forcing Thompson to throw. But, how much should NU fans be concerned about Thompson as a runner?

Matt: I wouldn't really be concerned about Thompson running the ball. While he is fast he's not quick and looks awkward running the ball. He only has 111 yards on 59 attempts.

The defense is clearly the class of the league, but where are its greatest weaknesses?

Matt: My main concern on defense is that the secondary still has occasional breakdowns in pass coverage. The linebackers are some of the best in the conference and the defensive line has been really dominant over the past several weeks but every time there is a long pass Sooner fans everywhere hold their breath.

Are you at all concerned that OU will be playing in their ninth straight game while the Huskers had a bye week two weeks ago and an extra day off after Colorado?

Matt: No, the Sooners are rolling right now and have a lot of momentum behind them. They finished the season on a seven game winning streak including four of their last five on the road. Their confidence is at an all-time high!

Where does this game rate in terms of anticipation with the many other big games OU has played over the past seven years?

Matt: OU fans are always stoked about playing in a championship game. The fact that we are playing Nebraska for this one makes it extra special. The only draw back to the formation of the Big 12 was that it killed the yearly rivalry between OU and Nebraska. I've heard several fans from both schools say that this is the way it should be in regards to the two teams that used to rule the Big 8 now ruling the Big 12. It makes this conference championship game extra special.

What is the overall health of OU like right now? Any players you anticipate that could miss the game?

Matt: Generally the Sooners are pretty healthy. Adrian Peterson won't play and the only other starter that I am aware of who is out is offensive lineman Brandon Braxton who suffered a broken leg against Colorado several weeks ago.

How would you rate OU's special teams? What is good and what is not so good in the kicking, return and coverage areas?

Matt: The Sooners are pretty solid on special teams. Return man Reggie Smith has been the Big 12 player of the week twice this season and once was for special teams. OU uses two punters, one for distance (Michael Cohen) and another for placement (Mike Knall). Cohen actually has a 75 yard punt this season.

What is a good early sign or litmus test for you that things are going well or going poorly on offense? Anything fans can look for?

Matt: Oklahoma is going to try to do three things. Establish the ground game to chew up the clock and wear down the Husker defense. Dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. And confuse Zac Taylor with a variety of blitz schemes. If the Sooners are successful in these three areas it will be a long night for Nebraska.

Generally, isn't this great?!

Matt: It really is great! OU and Nebraska are playing for the third time in as many seasons. Its as close to the old days of the Big 8 as we will get.

Related: My Opinion On Sports interviewed us and Crimson & Cream Machine on the championship game and fellow Husker blog Corn Nation plays Fact or Fiction with Crimson & Cream Machine.