Most OU fans know that there are a lot of issues that need to be shored up. Many people are focusing on the QB. Understandable, but OU hasn't had stability (2-3 year starter) at that position for a long time. Further and as grateful as I am for the leader that Paul Thompson was for OU, any 3 of the QB's that are working for the job can make the throws and shoulder the light load of responsibility PT had.

The biggest issue is getting the defensive ends to play way above their pay grade and getting the LB's to form a cohesive unit. Losing Latimer/Alexander was tough. The overall defense will be tested mightily versus Miami. Until then, nobody has any idea what kind of push that front 4 will get to help take pressure off the secondary.

Part of it was an illusion, as TCU was really nice. And Tulsa was pretty salty when it took OU down to the one tough Peterson run, late.

It would appear that once more OU could be one of the most overrated teams in college football -- Street and Smith magazine, which is to say one writer -- has OU top rated in the Big 12! The Sooners are in top tens everywhere, and are in top fives in many publications, nation-wide.

These things stand in the way of an OU top ten finish, in order of peril.

1. Secondary pass defense performance.

Yeah, that's more important than quarterback. Torchings from Oregon and Boise, and glaring inconsistencies in years past, suggest schematic problems.

2. Quarterback.

Actually, those guys looked solid in the spring game, even though the playbook was the size of a postage stamp.

3. Texas.

4. Miami.

5. Bowl game.

Early and late, beware; in the middle, Stoops is all business.

Question: Why is OU always rated so far up despite important holes to fill and a recent history of failing to live up to its ranking?