 "Photo: Jeffrey McWhorter; The Daily Texan")
Over the past few years, turnovers have played a big part in the Texas-OU rivalry. The Longhorns had two turnovers in their 28-21 loss last year, while the Sooners had five turnovers when Texas won 28-10 in 2006.
“In the 10 years and five games we’ve been here, when we win the turnover margin and explosive plays, we’re 61-0,” said Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis. “So in any ballgame, it’s important to limit the amount of mistakes you make, either mentally or physically.”
It could be a good sign that a Texas running back has not fumbled the ball yet this year. That’s quite a contrast from last season, when Jamaal Charles was fumble-prone early on.
“I just think it’s focus,” said senior running back Chris Ogbonnaya. “We’ve focused on that, it’s a minimum requirement to take care of the ball. We want to continue to do that.”
The ball-hawking Sooner defense should give them a test, as OU has forced 12 fumbles so far this season.
“(Oklahoma) does a nice job of stripping the ball,” Davis said. “Because they have people in a hole a lot of times, people are trying to throw more and they create some of those turnovers in that situation.”
Obognnaya moves to front of depth chart
Senior running back Chris Ogbonnaya was in unfamiliar territory on Monday when the depth chart came out. He was listed as the starter at the position coming off his performance in Saturday’s win over Colorado. Ogbonnaya caught six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown and carried the ball nine times for 75 yards and another score.
Ogbonnaya, known primarily as a blocker and receiver, could start to see more carries based off his success.
“I do like having the opportunity to run the ball, but I also think that scoring a touchdown on a pass and blocking a play where Colt can throw a touchdown is as good a feeling,” Ogbonnaya said.
Cotton Bowl undergoes renovations
2008 will be the first year the Red River Rivalry is played in the newly renovated Cotton Bowl. The $50 million renovation increased the seating capacity from 76,000 to 92,200 by encircling the second deck.
“There are so many Texas and Oklahoma fans that have never gone to this game, and now they have a better chance because there are more seats, so that’s great for both teams,” Brown said. “Before you could get 35,000 from each side and now you can get 45,000.”
There are also new media and VIP facilities, a new scoreboard and video screen, updated restrooms and concession areas, lighting, and all of the stadium seats have been replaced.
The renovations may have been too little too late for the annual bowl game played there. That game moves to the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington starting January 2010.
However, the Texas-OU rivalry is not moving. The series signed a contract to play at the Cotton Bowl through 2015.
Orakpo named to Bednarik watch list
Senior defensive end Brian Orakpo was named to the Bednarik Award watch list. The award honors the top defensive player in the country.
Orakpo is tied for fourth in the nation with six sacks and has 19 tackles and two forced fumbles. He joins teammate Roy Miller on the watch list.
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