(returning starters in bold)
ROSTER ANALYSIS
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Depth chart: Blake Bell, Trevor Knight, Kendal Thompson
The scoop: Bell would be the safe pick to start the opener. He has a two-year start on Knight in the program, has taken snaps in big games - he was the Offensive MVP of the 2011 Insight Bowl - and he looked fine at the Red/White Game, the last time anyone saw OU play. And yet the longer Bob Stoops goes without making it official, the more you wonder about a stealth move up the depth chart for Knight.
The bottom line: Whoever wins the job - and don't completely discard Thompson once he returns from his broken foot in mid-to-late September - has the capability to run and pass. Coordinator Josh Heupel swears by the pass, but surely has plans to diversify his offense with this trio of athletic QBs.
Running backs
Tailback: Damien Williams, Brennan Clay, Roy Finch
Fullback: Trey Millard, Aaron Ripkowski
The scoop: The Sooners haven't featured a 1,000-yard rusher since DeMarco Murray in 2010. Williams got close a year ago with 946 and would have hit four digits were it not for a late-season ankle injury. He'll get carries this fall, but so will Clay, OU's steadiest runner. And maybe Finch, coming off an invisible junior season.
The bottom line: Williams is the home run hitter. Clay is most dependable, Millard most powerful. Finch is the change-of-direction scatback. Committee?
Receivers
Wide receiver: Lacoltan Bester, Trey Metoyer, Jalen Saunders, Jaz Reynolds
Slot: Jalen Saunders, Sterling Shepard, Derrick Woods
Tight end: Millard, Taylor McNamara, Brannon Green
The scoop: The Sooners are set in the slot, where Shepard and Saunders prospered a year ago. Expect Bell or Knight to find both receivers early and often as the less-experienced outside receivers settle in. OU is counting on Metoyer, a five-star recruit, to make a big jump after a frustrating freshman year. This year's freshman class is headlined by Dannon Cavil, who should get on the field some.
The bottom line: A lot of questions here. Will Metoyer blossom? Can OU count on Jaz Reynolds? Does Saunders play inside or out? Will the tight ends do more than block? There is also a lot of potential, especially if OU finds a more active role for Millard.
Offensive line
Left tackle: Tyrus Thompson, Jake Reed
Left guard: Adam Shead, Dionte Savage
Center: Gabe Ikard, Ty Darlington
Right guard: Bronson Irwin, Nila Kasatati
Right tackle: Daryl Williams, Derek Farniok
The scoop: The most experienced group on the team. All five frontline guys started games a year ago, with part-time starter Tyrus Thompson taking over for Lane Johnson at left tackle. If Thompson makes the transition and the three interior linemen stay healthy, OU's skill players should have plenty of opportunities.
The bottom line: Bill Bedenbaugh took over as O-line coach and immediately started talking attitude and toughness. Then all of OU's linemen were allowed offseason weight gains. The main idea: re-establish a physical presence.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PATs and field goals: Michael Hunnicutt
Holder: Grant Bothun
Punter: Jed Barnett
Long snapper: Austin Woods
Kickoff returns: Clay, Finch
Punt returns: Saunders
The scoop: Remember when kicking was a problem for the Sooners? Hunnicutt has gone 38 of 45 on field goals the past two years. Clay led the Big 12 in kickoff return average. Saunders returns punts like Ryan Broyles once did. The only concern here is whether Barnett can replace Tress Way.
The bottom line: Don't downplay Way's significance the past four years. He was both the strongest punter of the Stoops era and the most accurate, with a knack for putting offenses in a hole.
DEFENSE
Defensive line
Defensive end: Charles Tapper and Geneo Grissom, P.L. Lindley and Ogbonnia Okoronwko
Defensive tackle: Quincy Russell and Chuka Ndulue, Jordan Phillips and Jordan Wade
The scoop: If the Sooners' O-line is a strength, their defensive front is fragile at best. OU did receive a boost when junior college transfer Quincy Russell was cleared to play. Coaches indicate Tapper is blossoming some. Grissom has potential. But neither has done anything on Saturday. Phillips may make plays inside. Ndulue was an end last season.
The bottom line: The Sooners' best hope would be for one or other of the sophomores - Tapper and Phillips - to catch fire. Then new assistant Jerry Montgomery can go out and recruit talent to go around them, until the position catches back up to what it once was.
Linebacker
Middle linebacker: Frank Shannon, Eric Striker
Weakside linebacker: Corey Nelson, Aaron Franklin
The scoop: Nelson represents the defense's wild card. He was All-Big 12 and led OU's linebackers in sacks as a sophomore, then saw his numbers and impact fade last year as his playing time did. Put him on the field and pair him with Shannon, the Sooners would seem to have an athletic, aggressive duo. But are they willing to do that against Big 12 spread offenses?
The bottom line: OU is better against the run with linebackers. Any defense, it would seem, is better with a player of Nelson's caliber. Coaches have gushed over his offseason. Sounds like it sets up for the linebackers to return to some prominence.
Secondary
Left cornerback: Cortez Johnson, Zack Sanchez
Free safety: Gabe Lynn, Ahmad Thomas
Strong safety: Quentin Hayes, Hatari Byrd
Right cornerback: Aaron Colvin, Kass Everett
Nickel back: Julian Wilson
The scoop: Johnson, who has a physical presence not seen at the corner since Chijioke Onyenegecha was around, is in line to replace Demontre Hurst opposite Colvin. Wilson is entrenched at the nickel. The key is how well the safeties hold up. Lynn and Hayes should start, but it's worth following the progress of freshmen Thomas and Byrd.
The bottom line: Colvin did the Sooners a gigantic favor when he returned for his senior season. He gives the defense its only star power, and Mike Stoops a shutdown corner in a league that demands four hours of coverage on game days.
Stars
FB Trey Millard
Will this be the season that the "do-everything" Millard will get his hands on the football more?
DB Aaron Colvin
Owasso graduate is looking to be Oklahoma's first All-American at cornerback since Derrick Strait.
OL Gabe Ikard
Two-time All-Big 12 first-team selection will anchor an experienced offensive line.
- ERIC BAILEY, World Sports Writer
Sleepers
DE Charles Tapper
Coaches have raved about the sophomore, who will be needed immediately given depth issues at defensive end.
DB Hatari Byrd
Freshman has passed the eye test, as well as impressed the Sooners coaches with his versatility.
WR Lacoltan Bester
Transfer sat silent in 2012 with three catches but coaches have been impressed during fall camp.
- ERIC BAILEY, World Sports Writer
2012 Statistics
|
OU |
OPP |
| Scoring |
496 |
331 |
| Per game |
38.2 |
25.5 |
| First downs |
353 |
250 |
| by rushing |
114 |
111 |
| by passing |
224 |
120 |
| by penalty |
15 |
19 |
| Rushing yards |
2098 |
2499 |
| Avg. per game |
161.4 |
192.2 |
| Passing yards |
4374 |
2679 |
| Avg. per game |
336.5 |
206.1 |
| Offensive plays |
1005 |
905 |
| Total yards |
6472 |
5178 |
| Avg. per play |
6.4 |
5.7 |
| Avg. per game |
497.8 |
398.3 |
| Kick returns-Yds |
35-904 |
57-1040 |
| Punt returns-Yds |
27-387 |
12-87 |
| Interceptions-Yds |
13-124 |
11-208 |
| Fumbles-Lost |
20-9 |
7-3 |
| Penalties-Yds |
74-598 |
62-482 |
| Punts-Avg. |
54-43.3 |
74-43.6 |
| 3rd downs |
97-184 |
84-202 |
| 4th downs |
7-11 |
7-15 |
| Sacks by-Yds |
25-138 |
15-128 |
Individual leaders
Y/A=Yards/attempt; Y/G=Yards/game
| RUSHING |
No. |
Yds |
Y/A |
Y/P |
TD |
| D. Williams |
176 |
946 |
5.4 |
72.8 |
11 |
| B. Clay |
93 |
555 |
6.0 |
42.7 |
6 |
| D. Whaley |
39 |
243 |
6.2 |
40.5 |
1 |
| B. Bell |
60 |
201 |
3.3 |
15.5 |
11 |
| T. Millard |
33 |
198 |
6.0 |
15.2 |
0 |
| PASSING |
C-A-Int |
Yds |
Y/G |
TD |
| L. Jones |
367-555-11 |
4267 |
328.2 |
30 |
| B. Bell |
9-16-0 |
107 |
8.2 |
0 |
| RECEIVING |
No. |
Yds |
Y/A |
Y/P |
TD |
| K. Stills |
82 |
959 |
11.7 |
73.8 |
11 |
| J. Brown |
73 |
879 |
12.0 |
67.6 |
5 |
| J. Saunders |
62 |
829 |
13.4 |
92.1 |
3 |
| S. Shepard |
45 |
621 |
13.8 |
47.8 |
3 |
| D. Williams |
34 |
320 |
9.4 |
24.6 |
1 |
| PUNT RETURNS |
No. |
Yds |
Avg. |
TD |
| J. Brown |
22 |
299 |
13.6 |
1 |
| J. Saunders |
5 |
88 |
17.6 |
1 |
| KICK RETURNS |
No. |
Yds |
Avg. |
TD |
| B. Clay |
20 |
507 |
25.4 |
0 |
| R. Finch |
12 |
372 |
31.0 |
1 |
| PUNTING |
No. |
Yds |
Avg. |
I20 |
| T. Way |
53 |
2340 |
44.2 |
22 1 |
| KICKING |
FG-A |
Long |
PAT |
| M. Hunnicutt |
17-21 |
45 |
57-59 |
| DEFENSE |
T |
TFL |
Sacks |
INT |
FR |
| T. Jefferson |
119 |
3.5 |
.5 |
2 |
0 |
| J. Harris |
86 |
2.5 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
| A. Colvin |
61 |
2.5 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
| D. Hurst |
59 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| T. Wort |
53 |
5.5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| C. Nelson |
47 |
3.5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| C. Ndulue |
45 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
| F. Shannon |
40 |
3.5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| G. Lynn |
37 |
2.5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| R. Washington |
34 |
3 |
1.5 |
0 |
0 |
| J. Wilson |
31 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| J. McFarland |
29 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
| D. King |
27 |
2 |
2.5 |
0 |
0 |
| C. Walker |
25 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| A. Franklin |
21 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2013 SCHEDULE
| Aug. 31 |
Louisiana-Monroe |
PPV |
6 p.m. |
No opening cupcake for OU - the Warhawks won eight games and took Arkansas and Auburn to OT last year on the road.
| Sept. 7 |
West Virginia |
KOKI-5/23 |
6 p.m. |
The Mountaineers' shameful defense can't get any worse, but their offense can now that Geno Smith, Tavon Austin are in the NFL.
| Sept. 14 |
Tulsa |
ABC/ESPN |
11 a.m. |
Stoops is 6-0 against the Golden Hurricane, winning by an average of 47-8.
| Sept. 28 |
at Notre Dame |
KJRH-9/2 |
2:30 p.m. |
First time as underdog. First road game. First visit to South Bend since '99. Day of reckoning for the Sooners.
Tough turnaround game against the only Big 12 team that appears able to defend anybody.
| Oct. 12 |
vs. Texas (Dallas) |
|
TBA |
Red River Rivalry on the verge of getting away from Mack Brown for a second time.
Jayhawks play Texas Tech, TCU before OU. Lose both, they'll carry a 23-game Big 12 losing streak into this one.
Kliff Kingsbury was a wizard as a quarterback, offensive coordinator. How will he do as a rookie head coach?
| Nov. 7 |
at Baylor |
FSOne-67 |
6:30 p.m. |
Classic Thursday night trap game against opponent with blinding speed, helmets.
Sooners play Cyclones with a roster of players who hadn't been born the last time ISU defeated OU in 1990.
| Nov. 23 |
at Kansas State |
|
TBA |
Snyder has beaten Stoops in Norman and Kansas City, but never Manhattan.
| Dec. 7 |
at Oklahoma State |
|
TBA |
Could have Big 12 championship feel to it, which was idea behind delaying game another week in the first place.
OU football information
Tickets: 405-325-2424
Local radio affiliates: KMOD fm97.5, KTBZ am1430, KITO fm96.1.
Bob Stoops TV Show: FSOK-27 (Sundays, 7 p.m.); FSOK-27 (Mondays, 8 p.m.)
Bob Stoops radio show: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, KTBZ am1430
2012 RESULTS
At UTEP W, 24-7
Vs. Florida A&M W, 69-13
Vs. Kansas State L, 24-19
At Texas Tech W, 41-20
Vs. Texas (Dallas) W, 63-21
Vs. Kansas W, 52-7
Vs. Notre Dame L, 30-13
At Iowa State W, 35-20
Vs. Baylor W, 42-34
At West Virginia W, 50-49
Vs. Oklahoma State W, 51-48 (OT)
At TCU W, 24-17
Cotton Bowl
Vs. Texas A&M L, 41-13
COACHING STAFF
Bob Stoops
Job description: head coach, 15th year, $4.55 million
Mike Stoops
Job description: associate head coach/defensive coordinator/defensive backs, seventh year, $650,000
Josh Heupel
Job description: co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks, ninth year, $550,000
Jay Norvell
Job description: co-offensive coordinator/receivers, sixth year, $400,000
Jerry Montgomery
Job description: defensive line, first year, $325,000
Bill Bedenbaugh
Job description: offensive line, first year, $315,000
Bobby Jack Wright
Job description: assistant head coach/cornerbacks, 15th year, $300,000
Cale Gundy
Job description: running backs/recruiting director, 15th year, $300,000
Tim Kish
Job description: assistant defensive coordinator/linebackers, second year, $279,000
Jay Boulware
Job description: special teams coordinator/tight ends, first year, $270,000
Jerry Schmidt
Job description: strength and conditioning, 15th year, $270,000
