High school football
- Can Tahlequah go unbeaten in non-district play?
Through the first two weeks of the regular season, Tahlequah has survived two close calls against Fort Gibson and Stilwell. The Tigers' game this week is against a much more dangerous opponent in Sallisaw. In order to get to 3-0 for the first time since the early 90s, Tahlequah will have to overcome a key injury on defense. Cornerback Tanner Weston will be out with a knee injury. Sallisaw likes to run the ball on offense, so Weston's absence shouldn't be too daunting. One thing Tahlequah has going for it is the growing confidence of quarterback A.J. Campbell. The senior slinger was shaky against Fort Gibson in Week 1, but he was 11 of 14 passing with 100 yards rushing against Stilwell last week. Campbell will have to play big again if Tahlequah is going to win this week.
- Is Sequoyah taking on a misleading Victory Christian team?
Take a look at the opponents for Sequoyah and Victory Christian through two weeks. The Indians played two top-15 teams in Okemah (2A) and Beggs (3A). Victory Christian played Webster and a Holland Hall team that lost all of its key weapons from last year's team. To Victory Christian's credit, though, the Conquerors haven't allowed a point yet this year. That will change in Sequoayh's first road game. Look for Sequoyah to light up Victory Christian for 30-plus points.
- Will Keys rebound at Verdigris following humiliating Vian loss?
Keys coach Gary Willis said Keys' pride took a hit after a blowout loss to Vian in week 2. The Cougars can't let that linger, though, if they hope to enter district play 2-1. Verdigris, who has scored points at will this season, won't feel sorry for Keys, either. This game could be determined be whomever has the ball last.
- Can Hulbert hang with Drumright?
Hulbert, who started the season with roughly 30 players on its roster, has been decimated by injuries through two games. The Riders are down to around 15 healthy players on their roster, according to coach Mitchell Crittenden. That's not good news with a solid Drumright team coming to town. The Tornadoes have allowed only eight points this season, and Hulbert isn't a dynamic offensive team.
- Can Muskogee's offense and defense work together?
In Muskogee's first two games of the season, the Roughers have two different teams. Against Sand Springs, Muskogee's defense stood strong in holding the Sandites to only seven points. Last week, the Roughers' defense was torched for 41 points. Both games resulted in losses. Muskogee's defense needs a Sand Springs-like performance with the offense getting the ball to Victory Williams as much as possible in order to beat Tulsa Central.
College football
- Can Oklahoma and Bob Stoops get back to winning big games?
It's been a while since the Sooners have played a marquee game like Saturday's at No. 5 Florida State. In OU's recent history on the road, though, it hasn't mattered. The No. 1 Sooners have struggled away from Owen Field. That can't happen if OU wants to continue playing for a national title this year. I would expect Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles to have big games on Saturday.
- Will anybody be able to stay awake for the entire game between Oklahoma State and Tulsa?
Television rules the world now in college football. Need proof? Just look at the kick-off time between TU and OSU this weekend. It's absurd. It begs the question, if OSU is up big in the fourth quarter, will anybody be awake to see the end? Probably not.
- What will the play calling be like for Arkansas?
There's a good chance Arkansas' playbook is much more extensive than what the Razorbacks have shown this season. To this point, Arkansas has mauled Missouri State and New Mexico, and Troy will likely suffer the same fate Saturday. I'm sure Bobby Petrino and the U of A coaches will keep the game plan pretty vanilla with Alabama on the horizon in Week 4.
Other items to watch for this weekend
- Look to see if Tahlequah's softball team can rebound from its recent sluggish play in the Bartlesville tournament.
- Look to see how Tahlequah and Sequoyah volleyball teams fare in the Coweta tournament with some stiff competition.
- Look to see if weather plays a key role in football games on Friday night. Forecast calls for rain and cooler temperatures.
- Look to see if Kansas City, Dallas and St. Louis can all bounce back from Week 1 losses in the NFL.
- Look to see if some of the wild card races tighten up in Major League Baseball.
Now you know what to look for this weekend.
Check back in tomorrow for my Week 3 prep picks.
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