Close Encounters of the Mangino Kind

Originally Published: Oct 23, 2009 8:47 AM CDT

OU will be trying to avoid a losing record this deep into the season for the first time since 1998 Saturday at Kansas. Keys to victory over the Jayhawks;

1) Bring the same defensive energy. It's easy to get fired up in the Cotton Bowl. Harder in Lawrence. KU is just as dangerous offensively.

2) Don't give up on the run. OU should be able to rush the ball against a weak Jayhawks front seven. Even if DeMarco is limited or out, don't become one-dimensional.

3) Get an unexpected six. The Sooners were close several times last week to taking an interception back. Keenan Clayton twice. Brian Jackson once. OU needs either a defensive or special teams touchdown.

Prediction: Sooners-24, Jayhawks-16