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 Sun Bowl Oklahoma vs. (21) Stanford
Thursday, December 31, 2009 2 PM ET CBS
Trent Williams is an All-American left tackle who will hear his name called in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft in April. On Thursday afternoon, you won't find him protecting quarterback Landry Jones' blindside though. He isn't injured or anything, although he sat out the Bedlam game with a concussion, but will be filling in at center for the Sooners. Oklahoma used usual right tackle Cory Brandon on the left side and converted tight end Eric Mensik at right against Oklahoma State in Williams' absence and will do the same this afternoon.
Oklahoma has been plagued by injuries at center for most of the season and head coach Bob Stoops is tired of counting how many players he's used at the position. "Too many," he's quoted as telling reporters and that's not even mentioning a couple of injuries at quarterback and tight end.
 Most will be focused on the other side's offense. Toby Gerhart is obviously the key to this game. If he gets in a rhythm and is able to find room to run against the Oklahoma defense, the Cardinal will be just dandy. Keep in mind all of the offensive studs that defenses have shut down this bowl season.
Nobody has been able to stop Gerhart in 2009, unlike others who have slipped up a bit here and there. He's been one of the most consistent offensive forces in recent memory and I expect he'll cause trouble for the Sooners defense. Only Wake Forest has been able to contain him and keep him out of the end zone. One of the coolest things about Gerhart is that he's fun to root for. He seems like a regular guy and practices staunch humility.
He may have his freshman quarterback to back him up if things start to stall on the ground. Andrew Luck underwent surgery early this month to repair a broken finger. With the pins taken out, there's a good chance that you'll see Luck under center for the Cardinal. Even with Luck available, Gerhart will obviously be the key to this game. Have I already mentioned that?
On defense things aren't so great for the Cardinal. They have struggled to stop the run at times and are among the nation's worst pass defenses. Most importantly, they allow points as well, giving up 30 or more points in five of their final seven games.
 Beyond Gerhart, Luck and the Williams situation, some other players to keep your eyes on are Sooners defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and defensive end Jeremy Beal. McCoy is projected as a top 5 pick in April's draft and along with Beal anchors one of the best defensive fronts in the nation. Outside linebacker Travis Lewis has twice led the Sooners in tackles and, while only a sophomore, is considered one of the top prospects at his position.
Tom Keiser leads the Stanford defense and has been one of their few bright spots on the squad. They've been hit hard by injuries, but bowl winners find a way to win with the personnel available.
Interesting little nugget: The Cardinal averages the third most kickoff return yards in the nation and has returned 3 for a touchdown courtesy of Chris Owusu. Special teams have proven to be a game changer on so many occasions so keep that in the back of your mind this afternoon. - Danny Hobrock
Danny is a sports journalist who primarily covers college football and professional baseball. He is a contributor for several sports related blogs and is the former editor of a political and current events website.
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