Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon refuses to consider that Oklahoma's impressive statistics could be misleading because two of its three opponents were Idaho State and Tulsa.

The Sooners blew out Idaho State 64-0 and Tulsa 45-0, but lost their opener 14-13 to No. 20 Brigham Young. They were off last Saturday.

``Football is football,'' he said. ``Nothing is misleading. They're all Division I programs. We have to step up and accept the challenge.''

INJURY UPDATES

Wide receiver Aldarius Johnson (groin) practiced Tuesday and is expected to be ready for the Oklahoma game. Shannon said defensive end Andrew Smith, defensive tackle Marcus Forston and safety Randy Phillips also practiced. He said he expected Smith and Forston for the Oklahoma game, but isn't sure about Phillips.

Phillips, who is believed to have injured his arm or shoulder Saturday, would need to have contact by Wednesday to be considered for playing time against Oklahoma.

UM quarterback Jacory Harris said he wore No. 99 (Forston) and No. 4 (Johnson) on his eye blacks Saturday. Both were teammates at Miami Northwestern High. ``They were with me in spirit,'' he said.

-- SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN