TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Sooners have a chance to become the first preseason No. 1 to finish a season unranked. But they also have a chance to still win 10 games and build momentum for 2012.
Here are five storylines to follow for the Insight Bowl against Iowa:
Coming to play
This was not the bowl game the Sooners envisioned they’d be in before the season. Bob Stoops said he’s not worried about his team being motivated to play the Hawkeyes. But considering the numerous defections since the end of the regular season, you have to wonder where the mindset of this team is. Will they collectively come to play? If not, the Sooners could be in serious trouble against a team they should beat going away.
Where are the wide receivers?
In earnest, the Sooners are down to just four wide receivers, which is a problem for an offense that prefers to spread the field. Kenny Stills needs to have a big game, while Kameel Jackson, Trey Franks and Dejuan Miller need to play their roles. It will be interesting to see if deep-snapper James Winchester and cornerback Joe Powell, who was converted back to wideout this month, can provide some relief.
Where are the running backs?
The only position thinner than receiver is running back, where the Sooners are down to just Roy Finch and Brennan Clay. Neither of those backs is built to withstand workhorse touches, which means fullback Trey Millard should get a lion’s share of carries.
Travis Lewis’ farewell
In many ways this has been a disappointing season for OU’s defensive captain, who in August called this season “national championship or bust.” But Lewis says he’s finally recovered from a preseason broken toe injury. With a big final performance, he could become the only player to lead the Sooners in tackling in four seasons.
Landry Jones’ farewell?
This could be the final game for OU’s quarterback, too. Jones has said he’s gone back and forth on his decision to stay or leave so many times that he’s tried to just put it out of his mind for now. Jones had one of the worst games of his career at Oklahoma State. If he struggles again, and then leaves, he’ll be leaving sour feelings in the minds of OU fans. Whether it’s to build momentum for his senior season, or ending his college career on a better note, Jones needs to have a big game.
