Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops won the national championship three years ago, leading the Sooners into the Orange Bowl as 10-point underdogs and whipping Florida State.
Before that game, Stoops scoffed at the point spread as a sign of disrespect. The role will be reversed if Oklahoma returns to the Bowl Championship Series title game this season.
Mirage sports book director Robert Walker said the Sooners will be favored by about 8 1/2 points if they face Southern California in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4.
"That's the best matchup," Walker said. "I think that's the game the public wants to see."
Top-ranked Oklahoma (12-0) next plays Dec. 6 in the Big 12 title game against Kansas State. USC (11-1) hosts Oregon State on the same day.
If the Trojans lose, Louisiana State or Michigan could earn a spot in the Sugar Bowl. Walker said either of those teams would be at least a 10-point underdog to the Sooners.
The Mirage has posted an early line on the national championship game with Oklahoma a 10-point favorite over All Others.
Sooners quarterback Jason White leads the nation in passing efficiency and is the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. But the team has dominated more because of a suffocating defense.
USC appears to be the only team capable of knocking off Oklahoma. Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart and wideout Mike Williams lead an offense that has topped 40 points in six straight games.
Before that game, Stoops scoffed at the point spread as a sign of disrespect. The role will be reversed if Oklahoma returns to the Bowl Championship Series title game this season.
Mirage sports book director Robert Walker said the Sooners will be favored by about 8 1/2 points if they face Southern California in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4.
"That's the best matchup," Walker said. "I think that's the game the public wants to see."
Top-ranked Oklahoma (12-0) next plays Dec. 6 in the Big 12 title game against Kansas State. USC (11-1) hosts Oregon State on the same day.
If the Trojans lose, Louisiana State or Michigan could earn a spot in the Sugar Bowl. Walker said either of those teams would be at least a 10-point underdog to the Sooners.
The Mirage has posted an early line on the national championship game with Oklahoma a 10-point favorite over All Others.
Sooners quarterback Jason White leads the nation in passing efficiency and is the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. But the team has dominated more because of a suffocating defense.
USC appears to be the only team capable of knocking off Oklahoma. Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart and wideout Mike Williams lead an offense that has topped 40 points in six straight games.
