It’s the Sooners against Johnny Football. In reality the AT&T Cotton Bowl is much more than that but it’s the matchup with Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback of Texas A&M that is getting all the attention.

“He’s a great player, Oklahoma’s going to have to contain him” said one fan as he enjoyed an adult beverage at a pre-game party. “It’s Manziel, Johnny Football” blurted out a younger fan when he was asked the key to a win for the crimson and cream.

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops agrees that Manziel is a difference maker. “If you don’t cover guys he puts the ball where it needs to be for completions, if you do cover ‘em. Uhh ohh there he goes he’s running” Stoops pointed out.

Listen to what Stoops and Manziel have to say by clicking  here.

Manziel leads the nation in total offense at more than 383 yards per game individually and the Aggies are third as a team with 552 per contest.

“He just has a knack for making something happen even when you’ve played pretty well” Stoops added.

Oklahoma is no slouch when it comes to offense, the Sooners put up over 43 points per game to rank number nine in scoring offense. OU is also #15 in the nation in total offense at just over 506 yards per game.

Many believed Manziel would become complacent after he won the Heisman. Don’t count on it. “My focus is still on this team, let’s worry about this team, let’s worry about the rest of the season” he said standing in front of a throng of reporters at Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

And while everyone wants to heap praise on the Aggie QB, he is equally impressed with the Sooner D. “A traditional powerhouse like OU with a good defense and a bunch of great players, you can’t ask much more than to be on the stage and be in this moment with them.”

A couple of things to watch is how the game starts. Texas A&M has roared out of the gate like rockets in 2012, outscoring their opponents 343-102 in the first half of games.

 And the guys in maroon are 9-1 when they lead at the half.

Conversely, OU is 9^th in the nation in total defense and 20^th in scoring defense. Sounds a lot like the old irresistible force against the immovable object doesn’t it?

The Cotton Bowl kicks off at 7:00 tonight, you can catch the game on Fox.