Click here to read why Jono Greco does not think OU will win the 2009 Brut Sun Bowl

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OU will shine in the 2009 Brut Sun Bowl for a couple of reasons.

No doubt Stanford’s potential loss of its starting quarterback is a factor. Cardinal starting quarterback Andrew Luck’s surgery on his finger has him missing two to three weeks of practice.

Cardinal head coach Jim Harbaugh has already announced his plans to potentially start senior Tavita Pritchard as a replacement.

We know what it’s like to change quarterbacks in the season, but the postseason is when teams need to be on the upswing. OU’s impressive shutout win over in-state rival Oklahoma State has provided the momentum to carry the Sooners to a victory in El Paso, Texas, while Stanford’s loss of a quarterback may have the Cardinals changing things up too late.

History is behind the Sooners as well. Sooner success in the Sun Bowl has been a collection of routs.

The Sooners ran over Texas Tech in the 1993 Sun Bowl, winning 41-10. The Sooners were also dominant against Houston in the 1981 Sun Bowl 40-14. See a pattern developing?

Defense wins ballgames...everyone in the football world has heard this, and it shouldn’t be forgotten. The Cardinals pack a heavy punch on offense.

Cardinal senior running back Toby Gerhart has proven why he belongs in the Heisman race. Gerhart leads the nation in rushing yards (1,736) and touchdowns (26).

Stanford’s offense averages over 440 yards a game against opponents this season. But even though Stanford may be bringing their 13th-ranked offense into El Paso, they will meet a stout 7th-ranked defense in Oklahoma.

The Sooners have held their opponents to an average of 273 yards per game this season.

Look for defensive leaders sophomore linebacker Travis Lewis, junior defensive back Quinton Carter, senior linebacker Keenan Clayton, senior linebacker Ryan Reynolds, junior defensive end Jeremy Beal, and junior defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to disrupt everything Stanford has going for them.

But the real reason: because we really need this win. Not playing in the Big 12 Championship game hit the Sooner Nation hard, especially after going three years straight.

Winning in the Sun Bowl not only means a W in the postseason win/loss column for Bob Stoops, something that critics have been bashing him about, but it also means a great finish to a struggling season.

Losing five games is not the ‘Oklahoma Standard’, and especially not under Bob Stoops. Losing five games, all of them on the road, means winning this road game is crucial. This season needs absolution. It needs redemption. And it’s waiting for the Sooners in El Paso.