NCAA Football Preview - Oklahoma Sooners

Aug 23, 2007, 17:38 GMT

OFFENSE: There is no more pressing issue in Norman this fall than who out of three candidates emerges as the new quarterback. Neither junior Joey Halzle, redshirt freshman Sam Bradford, nor freshman Keith Nichol separated himself from the pack in the spring. Halzle is the only one with any experience in the college game, having thrown all of two passes. Bradford was a highly sought after high school quarterback who is ready to suit up after sitting out last year. Nichol is the much-coveted double threat who can run as well as pass. Coach Bob Stoops has solid depth in the backfield, as several backs will be counted on to help fill the void left by standout Adrian Peterson. All of the receivers are back, led by Malcolm Kelly (993 yards, 10 TDs) and Juaquin Iglesias. The offensive line is an extremely strong group with five players who started games last season, though massive transfer Phil Loadhoalt (6-8, 360) has been inserted atop the depth chart at left tackle after consecutive junior college All-American campaigns.

DEFENSE: The annual strength of the Sooners is their defense, which ranked 16th in the nation in total defense a year ago and figures to again be a dominant group, despite some key departures. The biggest losses were at defensive end and linebacker, although several upperclassmen are ready to step into those spots. Alonzo Dotson (6-4, 262) and John Williams (6-5, 259) are ready to step into the vacated defensive end positions, while the defensive tackle position offers a pair of experienced players in Cory Bennett (6-2, 278) and Steven Coleman (6-4, 299) fighting for one spot, and sophomore DeMarcus Granger (6-3, 300) poised to take the other. At linebacker, junior college All-American Mike Reed appears ready to take over at middle linebacker, and will likely be flanked by former safety Lewis Baker and junior Curtis Lofton. The secondary is a strong and proven unit, with four returning starters.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The return game features Reggie Smith and Juaquin Iglesias, both of whom recorded return touchdowns last year. Smith will likely resume his role as the punt returner. In the kicking game, Garrett Hartley was a finalist for the Lou Groza Award after booting 19-of-20 field goals. If it weren't for a blocked field goal, he may have been perfect. Hartley's leg is not short on power either, as he did not miss any of his five attempts outside of 40 yards, with the exception of a blocked 44-yarder.

OUTLOOK: On paper, the Sooners' schedule appears to be very manageable. How far the Sooners go almost certainly will depend on the play they get from their quarterback, whoever that may be. If the quarterback is able to simply manage games and avoid turnovers, Oklahoma will still be a dangerous squad. There is simply too much experience at key positions for the Sooners to fall off. Outside of the quarterback position, the defensive line is the biggest area of concern. Still, coach Stoops has presided over some fine defensive units during his tenure, and he knows how to get the most out of his players. Oklahoma has not gotten a lot of mention in the national championship discussion this year, but such a finish is not out of the question if the Sooners can win the Big 12 crown.

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