A&M's run game vs. Oklahoma's run defense: A&M hasn't been able to consistently run the ball, which has put a strain on the passing attack. If the Aggies abandon the run, they'll come up short in a passing shootout. The Aggies need tailback Mike Goodson (knee) back and a season-best effort from the line. OU's once stout run defense has developed cracks, first losing linebacker Ryan Reynolds to a season-ending injury and now defensive tackle Auston English. A&M head coach Mike Sherman said this will be the best defensive front the Aggies have faced, which doesn't bode well for a team that's rushed for less than 100 yards four times. Edge: Oklahoma
A&M's pass attack vs. Oklahoma's pass defense: A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson shook off a poor first half last week against Colorado with a three-touchdown effort in the third quarter. If he starts slow against OU, the outcome will be decided fast. Johnson measured up well against Tech's Graham Harrell. He must do the same against OU's Sam Bradford for the Aggies to have a chance. "Getting ourselves into positive field position and throwing the ball will be as much part of our defense as when [the defense is] on the field," Sherman said. It's a big game for A&M freshman wide receiver Jeff Fuller, who originally pledged to OU. The Sooners will try to help him remember what he's missing. Edge: Texas A&M
Oklahoma's run game vs. A&M's run defense: OU can run between the tackles and around the corners with DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown, which is why this offense is arguably the nation's best. The Sooners could beat a lot of teams without throwing a pass. OU has lost only one fumble in 710 snaps. Its ability to run has allowed OU to lead the nation in red-zone scoring with 49 scores (47 touchdowns) in 51 trips inside the opponents' 20. If A&M's front four do not play well, it will be a long afternoon for the Aggies. Edge: Oklahoma
Oklahoma's pass attack vs. A&M's pass defense: The Sooners can go vertical with receivers Manuel Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias, while tight end Jermaine Gresham (6-6, 261) is a load in the middle and Murray can catch the ball out of the backfield. Gresham had four touchdown catches last year. If A&M's pass rush can't get to Bradford, the Aggie secondary has little chance of keeping the OU receivers in check. Bradford has been sacked only once in his last 92 pass attempts. "You don't see people in his face much," A&M defensive coordinator Joe Kines said. Edge: Oklahoma
Special teams: OU doesn't have a field-goal kicker. Then again, it doesn't need one. The Sooners have troubles covering kickoffs, but they kick off enough that it doesn't matter. OU is sixth in the nation in kickoff returns, which allows them to go on the offensive early. OU punter Mike Knall has punted only 42 times, but 12 were inside the 20. A&M's special teams have taken huge strides in recent weeks, but this week it might take a blocked punt or fumble recovery during coverage to give the rest of the team a lift. Edge: Even
Intangibles: OU head coach Bob Stoops, much like Tech's Mike Leach, seems at his best against the Aggies. Maybe it's because he remembers that loss in 2002. Or it could be the atmosphere at Kyle Field. "They have an excellent stadium and an excellent tradition with their cadets," Stoops said. "It's an interesting tradition with all of the different calls that they have. I sit around before the game and pay attention to them and try to figure out what it is that they are doing. They all seem to know, so more power to them. You have to give credit to them. They do a good job with it." Stoops is aware that the Aggies play the Sooners tough at Kyle Field. A&M sure could use some home-field love to avoid what everyone thinks is going to be blowout. Edge: Even
-- ROBERT CESSNA
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