LINCOLN - Nebraskans might hesitate to listen to anything Brian Bosworth says, but "The Boz" has some advice for the Husker football team on Saturday.
The former Oklahoma linebacker said Nebraska would be wise to have somebody following Missouri quarterback Brad Smith at all times. Bosworth watched his Sooners shun that strategy in 2002.
The result? OU had to hold off Missouri 31-24 as Smith dialed up a career-high 391 yards of total offense.
"Oklahoma almost got burned by him last year," Bosworth said Wednesday from Malibu, Calif. "You watch and think, 'Why does a team not put a spy on him?' You don't let him run around, run down the field and hurt you.
"This week could be a tough test for Nebraska's defense. It's a situation where they've got a mobile quarterback, and a decent enough run game, that their defense is going to be challenged."
Bosworth is providing analysis for TBS' college football studio show. TBS has Saturday's telecast of the NU-Missouri game at 6:10 p.m.
Bosworth is impressed by Nebraska's nation-leading defense. The Huskers' offense, he said, likely will keep them out of the upper echelon.
"I've made the comment before that they're one of the teams that won't let go of the old style of football," Bosworth said. "They're going to hang on to that. Their offense just doesn't scare me like it did back in the day with the great backs and the quarterback who was a great runner and efficient enough of a passer."
With Bosworth starring for Oklahoma from 1984 through 1986, the Sooners went 3-0 against Nebraska. In those games, NU was ranked No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5.
Bosworth said he loved the rivalry and respected Nebraska. He's enjoying Oklahoma's current No. 1 rating but is glad NU has rebounded from going 7-7.
The Huskers, he said, are just living dangerously.
"Eventually they're going to run up against somebody who's too good on defense," Bosworth said. "Right now I think Nebraska is hanging on to the fact that their defense is going to keep them in every game, and if they don't make a mistake or don't fumble the ball, they can win 14-10 or 21-7."
As an interview runs long, Bosworth realizes how much he's enjoyed talking college football. That's why he accepted TBS' offer to join Ernie Johnson in the Atlanta studio every Saturday night.
"I needed something to do," said Bosworth, who played three NFL seasons before retiring. "I get into football season, and I get so frustrated. I still have a problem letting the game go, saying, 'I'm good. I'm done with it. I'm satisfied.'
"When football season comes around, I'm just miserable to be around. This has been a chance to go back and see if I can be part of it."
Always outrageous, he's been an interesting addition to the TBS crew. A gesture he made last month while watching a Texas highlight drew a complaint from the Big 12 office.
Bosworth said he won't bag on Nebraska unless the Huskers' play warrants it.
"I certainly see the opportunity for Nebraska to lose three games," Bosworth said. "But if they stay focused, play smart football and get their running game established, it's hard to beat them."
