NCAAF - College Football preview: Tulsa vs Oklahoma in Blake Bells first start

 

Trevor Knight starting for Oklahoma was a nice story in 2013, but everybody wanted to see Blake Bell win the starting quarterback job after the departure of Landry Jones.  Finally, three weeks into the season, Bell gets his chance to run the Sooners from the opening kickoff.  Even with the backup playing, Oklahoma is a 24.5 point favorite over Tulsa as of Friday September 13.

According to ESPN.com, the Sooners passing game has looked suspect so far this season.  It's true.  Although, Trevor Knight is sitting out due to injury, he may be relegated to the bench if Blake Bell can improve upon the passing game.
Tulsa vs. Oklahoma
When: Saturday September 14, 12:00 p.m.
Where: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Tulsa
The Golden Hurricanes have been used to producing prolific pass offenses in recent seasons, but they have been run of the mill to start the season.  Cody Green is completing 52 percent of his passes and has three touchdowns.  To pull the upset, he's going to have to play the game of his life.
Tulsa is stepping up in competition on Saturday.  They'll need the running game to be more effective as well.  However, they are going against a revamped Oklahoma defense in 2013.
Oklahoma
The biggest question is can Blake Bell throw the football? We know he can run the ball and produce first downs.  In fact, Blake Bell got his nickname the "belldozer" for the amount of touchdowns he ran for in his first two seasons.  But right now, the Sooners need Bell to throw the ball effectively.  Oklahoma already averages 310 yards per game on the ground.
Defensively, Oklahoma has been much better this season.  They are fourth in scoring defense.  That includes a shutout of Louisiana-Monroe in what looked like a tough game to start the season.
The Verdict:
Oklahoma has been flying around to the ball.  They're running effectively and they are controlling the opponents ground game.  While it's not the flash that we've come to expect, this could be the way the Sooners elevate their stature.  They'll win easily, and Blake Bell will put pressure on Trevor Knight to earn the starting job when he's back healthy.
Oklahoma 35
Tulsa 10