Scott Frost's disastrous marriage with Nebraska ended in an ugly divorce earlier this week, and it seems like a case of addition by subtraction amid reports that the program was engulfed by chaos and uncertainty. Interim coach Mickey Joseph's first game comes against No.6-ranked Oklahoma and, although a team rallying around a new leader is a more reliable concept in pro sports, it should apply in this one. Dillon Gabriel is a fine QB for Oklahoma but still a step down from the program's recent lineage. He and Texas transfer Casey Thompson, who is under center for Nebraska, are probably a push. The Huskers have a dangerous run threat in Anthony Grant and, factoring in the motivational backdrop, it would be surprising if the Huskers weren't competitive Saturday.

I'll admit that I thought the Nebraska total this past Saturday was way too high and I was quite wrong, but I think this is too. Oklahoma is a good defensive team, having allowed just 16 points thus far, so I struggle to see the Huskers post-Scott Frost getting more than, say, 24 points. Can NU hold the Sooners to 42? Sure.

The Brent Venables effect is already apparent in Norman after the Sooners gave up just 3.94 yards per play over the first two games. What's more important, though, is that success combined with a Cornhuskers team that is an abject disaster after firing coach Scott Frost will make this one a blowout. This is, at the very least, a 14-point game. It might even get to that point by halftime.