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FIESTA BOWLWho: West Virginia (10-2, tied for...

FIESTA BOWL

Who: West Virginia (10-2, tied for first in Big East) vs. Oklahoma (11-2, first in Big 12).

Where, when: At Glendale, Ariz., 5 p.m., Channel 11.

Story line: The Sooners are returning to the scene of their upset loss to Boise State last season and are hoping to put an end to the replays of the Statue of Liberty play that beat them. West Virginia also has something to prove after a loss to Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale cost the Mountaineers a shot at the national title. The teams are evenly matched, ranking Nos. 17 and 18 in total offense and Nos. 7 and 9 in scoring defense. West Virginia relies on a ground game that averages 292.9 yards a game to rank fourth. Oklahoma is more balanced. Oklahoma gives up only 91.9 yards rushing, so the Sooners have the ability to slow the West Virginia rushing attack.

Key players: Patrick White (QB, West Virginia, Jr.), Steve Slaton (RB, West Virginia, Jr.), Allen Patrick (RB, Oklahoma, Sr.), Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma, Fr.), Auston English (DL, Oklahoma, So.).

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