Oklahoma at New England - The Rematch
Mick Cornett
Monday July 24, 2000
The very next week, both Salisbury and Harrell were lost to season-ending injuries. Looking back, it’s amazing that New England finished the year at 8-6 after losing its starting quarterback and best receiver.
 Kusanti Abdul-Salaam had a big night against Grand Rapids Image courtesy of Drew Kennedy |
In the Sea Wolves favor: home field advantage, won previous meeting (49-42), better record (8-6 compared to 7-7).
In the Wranglers favor: played best game of season last week beating Grand Rapids 59-17. Played league’s toughest schedule and still had more points-scored than points-allowed (654-605). Two healthy quarterbacks.
Other factors—Wranglers seem to be overcoming two big problems that plagued them during the team’s five-game losing streak—interceptions and penalties. Early on, the Wranglers had five passes that were thrown, intercepted, and returned for touchdowns (including one in the loss at New England). Those are typically 10-14 point swings but that scene hasn’t repeated itself in over a month. Last week, for the first time all season, Oklahoma’s defense turned an interception into a touchdown and then did it again on the ensuing possession. Penalties have been down since head coach Bob Cortese instituted a $5 fine on each player for each yard of penalties. One other point—the Wranglers haven’t really beaten a good team on the road all season. Both road wins were against teams (Los Angeles and Florida) that were playing poorly at the time. Oklahoma’s defense finished first in the league in total defense, pass defense, and first-downs allowed.
Mick Cornett was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2000 to 2001.
