Norman, Okla

After letting the results of last night's road game digest, it is now time to write a little bit about it. Regarding this game, the biggest discussion on the 'net is whether or not Blake Griffin would have changed the outcome.

It would be naive to think that Blake Griffin isn't a play-maker and a difference-maker. He is clearly a front runner for the NPOY and clearly means a lot to the Sooners. He is also a game changer. However, just because a player is a game changer, doesn't necessarily mean that he is an outcome changer. There is no doubt that last night's game would be played differently had Griffin played. Both teams would have changed their offensive and defensive strategies. Cole Aldrich would likely not grab 20 rebounds, and Cade Davis likely would not have seen the floor. Willie Waren would not have had to put up 23, but Ryan Wright wouldn't have had the opportunity to miss 5 free throws.

My point is this: Who knows what would have happened? When game styles change, players' roles change. And, while this has the capacity to change the outcome, it may not. There is no reason to call for "an asterisk" to accompany this win because that's how the ball rolls; it's part of the game. I can relate to the Sooner fans though. If we lost a game without Collins or Aldrich, it would be easy to point there as a reason for the loss.