2007 Opponent Preview…Oklahoma
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August 2, 2007 by
Though not technically on Nebraska’s schedule for 2007 (yet), you can’t count the Sooners out as a contender for the Big 12. While the Sooners return only six starters on defense, when have we ever seen a Bob Stoops defense fail to impress?
The offense is a different story. After finishing fifth in scoring in the Big 12, the Sooners must again replace their starting quarterback as well as Adrian Peterson. They’ve got a nice group of running back options and some good lineman, but it’s likely that their offense will not be special. But then, last year proved that it doesn’t have to be.
Most of the front seven on defense is new, which could keep the Sooners from having a championship type unit. The secondary looks outstanding on paper, but if it’s not getting the help up front it may not appear that way.
The first big test for the Sooners comes at home against Miami. They open conference play on the road against Colorado before the Red River shootout in Dallas. A home contest against Missouri could be tough as might home dates against Texas A&M (with OU coming off a bye) and Oklahoma State. There’s also a potential trap game late at Texas Tech.
No single game looks unwinnable, but collectively the schedule may be too much for a Sooner team with a rebuilding defense and a fairly ordinary offense. If the Sooners can sneak into the Big 12 Championship game, they may not find themselves quite the favorite they were a year ago. They also have a strange history of only winning the conference in even-numbered years (look out in 2008). OU is never an easy team to beat under Bob Stoops, but this is a year they appear vulnerable even if they’re still capable of a BCS bowl season.
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Tyler Aug 02 07
Yeah, on paper, you're right. But Bob Stoops negates the paper factor. The most talented coach in the Big XII, never underestimate Stoops. He had some great quotes at the Big XII media days when posed with many of the same questions.
How did he handle adversity last year? I'd say he's in a more favorable position this year than last. At least he has three full-time QBs to pick from; and not WR converts. I imagine they'll do just fine except for a loss to Miami and TX. I'm not even sure about losing to Miami, they're regearing too with a new coach. Should they go 10-2 which wouldn't surprise me, well then that just not may be enough to make the Big XII Championship.
Texas should go 11-1 (I think we'll beat them) and then we'll see who is best the second time around. I think Keller will outduel McCoy. We'll see. Anyway, I think OU will have a successfull season and I am interested to see how their trio of QB talent measures up to ours.
Mase Aug 02 07
I don't root for OU often, but I hope they paste Miami this fall. Also, I think we might be able to get one over USC, but Texas always scares me the most as a Nebraska fan. We just...can't...seem to beat them...ever.