Welcome to The Sports Bank 77 in 77. We’re previewing one team a day everyday as the college football season approaches. And we’re doing it in rapid fire sequence. Today, the Oklahoma Sooners
2011 was: not the greatest for Oklahoma standards. 10-3 is nothing to be upset about, but for what the Sooners expect, anything less than double-digit regular season wins and a BCS bowl is a disappointment. Also, no matter how good Oklahoma State is, losing to the Cowboys is unacceptable in Norman…especially by 34 points. 2012 gives the Sooners a chance to get back to a big bowl. Another Insight Bowl before New Year’s is not what this squad is looking for.
2012 will go smoothly if: Mike Stoops (younger brother of Bob Stoops) can get the Sooner defense back as the one of the most prolific units in college football. As the defensive coordinator in Norman before taking the head coaching job at Arizona, Stoops developed some of the most productive defensive units in the country. Senior quarterback Landry Jones will have the offense clicking once again. The true test will be the resolve of the defense. Giving up an average of 22.1 points per game will not get the job done.
2012 will be rough if: they get caught off-guard. There are currently five top 25 teams on the Sooner schedule this season. Not to mention a game against Notre Dame; the Irish could pose a legitimate threat as a mid-season stumbling block. Although Oklahoma appears to be bringing a strong team to the table this season, if they are not careful, there are 4-5 potential losses on their schedule. The Sooners cannot afford to take an off-week. It could get pretty tiring by the time they face West Virginia, Oklahoma State, and TCU in the final three weeks.
BM OC: Kenny Stills (61 receptions in 2011) will be the go-to-guy for Jones this season. Expect to see his catch total increase this season as he becomes one of the premier receivers in the Big 12.
All Name Team: LB Joseph Ibiloye, DE Mike Onuoha
Bottom Line: 10-2 seems to be the likely outcome for Oklahoma this season. Texas is a likely stumbling block as the first “true test” for the Sooners. Having to face West Virginia, Oklahoma State, and TCU as the final three games also brings a tough finish that will likely result in a loss. This is a talented team with the ability of have a very successful season. However, two losses is not out of the question. Luckily for the Sooners, two losses will still get them a conference championship.