Adrian Peterson? We don’t need no Adrian Peterson. So say the folks in Norman, and the reality is they may just be right. Allen Patrick and DeMarco Murray will likely step into AD’s shoes with no problems. Factor in the return of one of the nation’s nastiest offensive lines, and you can pretty much assume the Sooners will rely heavily on their ground game, and rightfully so. Waiting in the aftermath of the Rhett Bomar incident last season was oft-beleaguered senior QB Paul Thompson. Bomar’s crimes may be more costly this year, as OU will likely start Joel Hazle to start the opener against North Texas. Don’t be surprised to see true freshman Keith Nichol to be undercenter by the time the Sooners travel to Dallas for their annual showdown with Texas.
Whether the inexperienced QB can lead the rest of a loaded team remains to be seen. Truth be told, the offense won’t need to be all that prolific, considering the talent coming back to the returning Big 12 Champs. The top 6 players, including all starters, return to the Sooners’ secondary, along with their 13 interceptions. In addition, the run defense will be stout, as up the middle OU brings back one of the nations leading linebacking and defensive line corps.
Adding a talented team with a top defense and effective ground game usually means a great chance at a national championship. What will hold Oklahoma back is the lack of a reliable quarterback. By the Texas game, which will determine the Big 12 Champion, OU will be alternating Hazle and Nichol, looking for the best bet. Texas will win out against the Sooners, and coach Bob Stoops will likely go with the young and athletic Nichol. Expect OU to finish the regular season 10-2, with losses to Texas and potentially Miami, Missouri, or Texas Tech.
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