The Oklahoma Sooners, a team used to being included in Big 12 title talks and Top 25 finishes, has had an unusual season in 2009.
The preseason No. 3 team lost its season opener, its quarterback and its annual rivalry game against Texas en route to a 5-4 overall record going into the Sooners' game against Texas A&M on Saturday.
Quarterback Sam Bradford, the 2008 Heisman trophy winner, was injured in Oklahoma's 14-13 season opening loss to Brigham Young University.
Behind freshman quarterback Landry Jones, the Sooners won five of their next seven games, losing to No. 17 Miami and No. 3 Texas.
But the season hit bottom again this past week as Landry's struggles led to a 10-3 loss at Nebraska. It was the least points scored by an Oklahoma team in a loss since the Sooners scored the same amount against Texas in 1998.
"They really have played well and have had some tough breaks in some games," said A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman. "They are a very good football team. Their four losses could have gone either way."
The Aggies, who are coming off a 35-34 loss at Colorado, are not focusing on Oklahoma's recent struggles.
"When you look at the Oklahoma program, it's a quality program," said A&M defensive coordinator Joe Kines. "Coach [Bob] Stoops has done a tremendous job with that program."
The Sooners' defense has been a big factor in their five wins. They are ranked in the Top 10 statistically in nearly every defensive category.
"They probably have one of the best defensive fronts in college football," Sherman said. "They are very active, very athletic. They stay on their feet and can apply pressure. They are excellent against both the run and the pass."
The Oklahoma defense pairs well with an A&M offense that has exploded in the passing game behind junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson, who is ranked No. 4 overall in total offensive production.
"Jerrod Johnson, their quarterback, is leading the league in total yards or passing yards," said Sooners Head Coach Bob Stoops. "He has been really productive and is playing great for them. It's another really big challenge hosting them at home."
Jones and running backs Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray have been the catalysts for the Sooners' offensive attack, which is ranked No. 32 in the nation in total offensive yards.
Though he struggled in Oklahoma's game against Nebraska, Jones has been the top freshman quarterback in the Big 12 with 1,902 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Other than receiver Ryan Broyles, Murray and Brown have been two of the top offensive producers for the Sooners with 512 and 560 rushing yards, respectively. Each has five touchdowns.
Sherman said he expects Murray and Brown to be major factors in the game.
"We have to come ready to play because it'll be a physical game," Sherman said. "I think Coach Stoops, if he has his druthers, would like to run the football and control the game and the clock, being a defensive coach."
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