Oklahoma (12-2) carried some baggage after losing to Boise State in a 2006 First Round game. The Sooners avoided a repeat performance behind Jones and Ryan Broyles, who had team records of 13 catches and 170 yards to go with the sealing touchdown.
Connecticut (8-5) at least kept close for a while in its first tournament appearance. The hopeful Huskies steadied themselves after an initial barrage from Oklahoma and avoided a complete disaster with hard-nosed running by Jordan Todman and a handful of big plays. However, unlike Boise State, the Huskies basically played it straight with no gadgets, and playing it straight against the Sooners just was not a recipe for UConn victory. When the Sooners grabbed a 34-10 third quarter lead, Oklahoma seemed to begin looking ahead to BCS Bowl opportunities, and the Huskies cut it ti 34-20. However, a repeat of the finish against Boise State was not to be, as the Sooners woke up from their slumber in the fourth quarter to finish off the Huskies.
From above the field, Jerry Jones looked down at his Cowboys Stadium's first participation in the College Football Tournament with visions that this would become a site of BCS Bowl quarterfinals, the permanent site of the semi-finals, or, well, might as well host the whole Texas sized tourney there. For now, Jerry will have to be happy knowing Arlington will host the tournament semi-finals in two seasons, with no concerns of lock-outs.
But the Sooners don't have to wait until next year to be part of the tournament, as their win sends them to a BCS Bowl quarterfinal. Due to the tournament rules to avoid regular season rematches during these rounds, Oklahoma's opponent will not be known until the victor is known of the other First Round game in Charlotte between Arkansas and Virginia Tech. A Razorback win sends the Sooners to the Sugar Bowl to face Auburn, whereas a Hokie victory sends Oklahoma to the Fiesta Bowl to face Oregon.
FIRST ROUND:
In Arlington, TX:
7 Oklahoma 48
10 Connecticut 20
In Charlotte: (results available after the completion of the games of 4Jan)
8 Arkansas
9 Virginia Tech
BCS BOWLS (Quarterfinals):
Sugar: (results available after the completion of the games of 10Jan)
1 Auburn
Oklahoma or Virginia Tech
Rose: (results available after the completion of the games of 3Jan)
4 Stanford
5 Wisconsin
Fiesta: (results available after the completion of the games of 10Jan)
2 Oregon
Arkansas or Oklahoma
Orange: (results available after the completion of the games of 4Jan)
3 Texas Christian
6 Ohio State
Semi-finals in St Petersburg FL:
Sugar versus Rose
Fiesta versus Orange
BCS Championship in Glendale AZ
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