Missouri can punch its ticket to the BCS Championship Game with a victory over Oklahoma in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Alamodome. While its national title dreams are more than likely dashed, Oklahoma can still secure a berth in a coveted BCS bowl game by defeating the Tigers for the second time this season. The stage is set, the hype is on and tensions are running high. But before Missouri and OU kick off the Big 12 title game, 210SA and other media members caught up with some of the game's participants — OU coach Bob Stoops, linebacker Curtis Lofton, wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, tight end Martin Rucker and defensive lineman Lorenzo Williams — to gauge their thoughts heading into their teams' nationally televised, primetime showdown. 

Is Missouri a better team than it was seven weeks ago (when OU defeated the Tigers 41-31)?

BS: I think we both are. That's fair to say. I look back at that game, some of the mistakes we made ..... and I think it's probably fair to say we're both better teams than we were seven weeks ago. I thought they were awfully good coming into that game, and everybody else did as well.

What does it say about the consistency of your program when you're going for your fifth Big 12 title with your fifth different quarterback?

BS: I do feel that position for us has been incredibly strong ..... It shows the consistency in the program. It's not only about one guy or one quarterback. This will be our sixth Big 12 (title) game in eight years with five different quarterbacks, so it's more than just one guy.

How much of an advantage is it for you, having players who have played in this game before?

BS: It's sure not a disadvantage, but how much (of an advantage) depends on how well you play. Our guys are familiar with being in this situation.

What are your thoughts on some conferences having championship games and some not having them?

GP: I think that argument has gone on for years now with the BCS. Sometimes it's an advantage, and sometimes it's not. It depends on where you're sitting. Everyone takes their angle and what suits them. It is the way it is, and we all know that, so I don't really give it much more thought than that.

After all the hype from the Kansas win (on Nov. 24), how do you stop your team from having a hangover this week?

GP: I'd be really surprised if that happened. I think that (Kansas game) certainly was a high-energy environment because of the rivalry and the rankings ..... It was hugely emotional for our players, but our guys have been pretty focused.

With a rematch, is it an advantage for OU having already won this season, or for Missouri, having rebounded and with revenge on its mind?

GP: Oklahoma has been to how many championship games? They've been through this whole experience before, and Bob has done a great job there. I think they have an advantage from an experience standpoint. There's no doubt about that.

MR: I don't know if anyone has an advantage. Maybe OU does, because they've been in this type of game before ..... Whatever happens in the past is whatever happens in the past. We're much more mature than to be about seek-and-revenge. It takes away from our preparation.

This is Missouri's first Big 12 Championship game, so how much does your experience in that environment give you the edge in San Antonio?

CL: I would have to think (it does). Playing in big games, we've been there and done that, so there's not too much pressure on us. It definitely gives us an edge ..... We're comfortable playing in big games like this.

How tough is it to beat a team twice in the same season?

CL: It's hard to beat a team twice in one season, so you've got to go into the game prepared for whatever the opposing team brings you.

What was the reaction when you found out you'd been ranked No. 1 in the BCS?

MR: We were at a banquet, and people were cheering really loud. Everyone stood up, and you could feel the energy in the room.

People come to OU to win national championships, so is it a little odd for OU to be playing the role of spoiler this week?

MK: It is. The reason people come to OU is to win Big 12 Championships and have a chance to play for national championships year in and year out. The (Texas) Tech loss (on Nov. 17, that all but ended the Sooners' national title hopes) hurt, and after that, we had to rearrange and see what goals we had ahead of us. The Big 12 Championship is next.

What has life on campus been like since getting the No. 1 ranking?

LW: When we got back (from the Kansas game), it was 2 a.m., and there were probably about 40 people standing outside our facility. It was really fun. Since being back in class, people are coming up and saying, “You guys are great. Good luck next week.” Flags are flying everywhere, and all the marquees on the businesses are about it. It's different than anything I've ever seen before.

CLINT HALE | 210SA