Friday Husker Pick’em – Oklahoma

UNMC’s Randall Toothaker, D.D.S., had a brief stint as a kicker at the University of Oklahoma before he became a dentist. Dr. Toothaker received some wise career insight from legendary OU Coach Barry Switzer during his time with the Sooners. (Peggy Cain, College of Dentistry)

With his last name, UNMC’s Randy Toothaker, D.D.S., was born to be a dentist — a fact that wasn’t lost on legendary Oklahoma coach, Barry Switzer.

Dr. Toothaker, associate professor and director of adult restorative dentistry at the College of Dentistry, went to dental school at the University of Oklahoma in the late 1970s.

While there, he tried out as a kicker for the OU football team and did well enough to participate in spring practice.

But during the spring game, the young Dr. Toothaker shanked a kick out of bounds, which led Switzer to cut him from the team.

“Toothaker,” Switzer said, “you’ll make a great dentist.”

Dr. Toothaker, who’s been at UNMC for 10 years, is our third guest panelist of the season.

Records After each panelist correctly called for Nebraska to beat Baylor last week, their records are now: Jeff Hill, M.D., 6-2 Team Runco/Kelsay, 5-3 Rob Zatechka, M.D., 5-3

Below, he and our regular panelists — Jeff Hill, M.D.; Robert Zatechka, M.D., and the team of Lisa Runco and Chad Kelsay — weigh in on Saturday’s game between Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Dr. Toothaker says, “It will be closer than people think. OU has some weaknesses and NU’s Ndamukong Suh will play well. I think NU will turn quarterback Cody Green loose. But in the end, OU will win.” Oklahoma 28, NU 21

Dr. Hill says, “OU has settled in with a stable and able quarterback. Their defense is very strong. The Husker offensive woes will continue. It will be close because of home-field advantage but OU wins this one.” Oklahoma 24, NU 14

Team Runco/Kelsay says, “We have not seen anything that would convince us our offense is going to instantly come to life. Our defense will play great but be forced to be on the field too often. We hate betting against NU, but until they prove otherwise, we don’t know if we can keep drinking the Kool-Aid.” Oklahoma 24, NU 6

Dr. Zatechka says, “Expect the defense to play their usual strong game but … OU’s offense is still formidable and OU’s defense is playing at its usual level. Remember those interceptions last season in Norman that were run back for touchdowns? Those same players are still there. OU is still an elite team.” Oklahoma 31, NU 10