Week 9 Showdowns and a Tie Atop 1st BCS Standings

In one of the most anticipated RUTS games of  the season, the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Norman this week to face off against the #3 Sooners of Oklahoma. In the "Haag Bowl," both head coaches, who are cordial and loving brothers on every other day of the year, turn into vicious and heated rivals. This rivalry turned sour earlier this week, when Sooner coach utvol27 spilled milk all over Buckeyes Coach UTVOL54 at the annual "Haag Bowl Oreo Eating Contest."

"He did it on purpose," said Coach UTVOL54. "Plus I was wearing khaki pants, and everyone thought I had pee pants for the rest of the afternoon. Throw in the fact that I smelled like spoiled milk and cottage cheese the rest of the day and it's more proof that he took this too far."

Coach utvol27 couldn't be reached for comment, but issued a written statement: "I have never been accused of spilling milk, and have certainly never spilled milk on purpose. These accusations are hurtful, and I will not feel sorry for my brother or his milk-stained khaki pants."

Who knows how this battle will shake out. But come game time, many experts predict a tight battle that could come down to the wire. The Sooners have made a longer climb to the #3 spot, after starting the season ranked outside of the Top 10. The Buckeyes, on paper, appear to be the better team, and have used their talent advantage throughout the season to make it 7-0.

The Buckeyes defense has been spectacular at forcing turnovers this season, while only committing two turnovers on offense (both Interceptions). If the turnover battle goes the Buckeyes' way in this one, it may be difficult for the Sooners to overcome.

Oklahoma's sterling sophomore QB Landry Jones has proved his doubters wrong, and has filled the shoes of Sam Bradford nicely. The Sooners' passing attack has led the way, and RB DeMarco Murray has provided a quick burst and hard-hitting running style to keep defenses off balance. We look for Oklahoma's offense to come out and establish the ground game early, chewing away the clock and keeping Terrelle Pryor and the high octane Buckeye offense off the field.

The winner of this game establishes themselves in the driver's seat for a BCS top 2 ranking until the conference title games. With a possible rematch in the Big XII title game on the horizon though, the losing team tonight could find themselves still in contention for a national title shot.

Playing in Norman will be tough on the Buckeyes. But, after notching big road wins at Tennessee, USC, and Oregon already this season, the Buckeyes should be capable of handling the hostile environment. This game will come down to field position and turnovers, along with how the Sooners' defense contains Terrelle Pryor's multi-dimensional attack. We look for a close battle, but Ohio State will prove to be too much for the Sooners on this day.....our prediction...in a low scoring affair....Ohio State 17, Oklahoma 13

Want more on the history of the RUTS Haag Bowls?....Click the links below:



http://runupthescoredynasty.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-bout-cowboys.html

http://runupthescoredynasty.blogspot.com/2009/06/season-5-national-championship-game.html

http://runupthescoredynasty.blogspot.com/2009/01/shenanigans-continue-coach-utvol27s.html

http://runupthescoredynasty.blogspot.com/2009/01/clemson-under-investigation-before.html


In another huge RUTS game this week, Coach cjohnchavis and the #6 LSU Tigers host #8 and undefeated Wisconsin in Death Valley. The Tigers, in their trek back toward the Top 5, have knocked off a few undefeated teams already. Look for the Badgers to put up a fight in Baton Rouge. The LSU defense will keep this one low scoring and Jordan Jefferson and the Tigers offense will score enough points to earn yet another big victory over a Top 10 team. Setting up next week's HUGE matchup against #7 Alabama, which will decide the SEC West Champion.

So, both this week and next, RUTS will see its top 4 ranked teams square off in games that could decide the direction of the season 1 national championship race. Buckle your seat belts!

BCS Standings (week 9)
1. (tie) Boise State
1. (tie) Ohio State
3. Oklahoma
4. Virginia Tech
5. Michigan State
6. LSU
7. Alabama
8. Wisconsin
9. Florida State
10. Arkansas
18. Oregon
25. North Carolina