Filed by Mitch Sherman at 4:14 p.m.

Something seems off about that betting line of just six points in favor of Oklahoma Saturday against Nebraska, especially considering the Huskers' struggle to beat Baylor after losses at home to Iowa State and Texas Tech.

But maybe, just maybe, a classic, defensive struggle is on tap Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.

Statistically, Nebraska looks up to the task. And so does OU.

The Huskers and Sooners rank among the top three in the Big 12 in the four major defensive categories: rushing, pass efficiency, total and scoring. NU sits among the top 10 nationally, in fact, in each category – 10th in rushing, seventh in pass efficiency, ninth in total and fourth in scoring. Oklahoma ranks third, 17th, 11th and eighth in the respective categories.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said today he sees similarities in the defensive units.

“They're probably a little more pressure-oriented than us right now,” Pelini said. “They've been in the system a lot longer than we have. They do a good job on defense.

“I like that we've made progress. But we still have a long way to go. I understand that. I think the players understand that.”

The second-year NU coach offered more praise for sophomore defensive tackle Jared Crick. Crick was named today as the Big 12 defensive player of the week, adding to his list of honors that includes the Walter Camp national defensive player of the week.

“He earned it,” Pelini said. “He had a great game. We're proud of him.”

Crick broke the single-game Nebraska record with five sacks against Baylor. Crick's 13 tackles ranked as the most by a defensive lineman at NU since 2002. And his seven tackles behind the line of scrimmage matched Jim Skow's 1985 school record.

The Huskers are on the practice field right now. We'll have a report later on the start of preparations for Oklahoma.

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