Big 12 South Preview: Oklahoma

Ahhh, yes these bastards. 79-12 over the past 7 seasons under Bob Stoops, best in the nation in that span. Even though Adrian Peterson is gone, they have a stable of backs, the o-line that was young last year is now growing together, they have 2 great receivers, a great d-line, fast linebackers and the best secondary in the nation. So how in the hell will they not win the Big 12 and contend for a national title? In a shocker, it's because of that QB position. Only Joey Hazle has ever thrown an NCAA pass (1 out of 2 for 15 yds in 2006, numbers similar to CM's 2007 season) and I don't think he will be the starter.


Best Player: (#4) - WR - Malcolm Kelly - 6-4 - 217 - The junior wideout is on equal footing with UT's Limas Sweed, LSU's Early Doucet, PSU's Derrick Williams and UL's Mario Urrutia as the best WR in the country. This cat has been good since day one (100 catches in his first 2 years), so you have to account for him
Player to watch: (#5) - FS - Nic Harris - 6-3 - 226 - The term "free safety" is stretched to the limit with the powerfully built Harris, but it doesn't matter as OU crosses their safeties anyway (i.e. they both have coverage and blitzing duties). This guy is better than Miami's Kenny Phillips and Notre Dame's Tom Zbikowski. Great tackler
Player successful season most hinges on: (#14) - QB - Sam Bradford - 6-5 - 197 - Was there ever a doubt? The redshirt freshman supposedly was dazzling in spring practice, but we are talkin' bout practice, right?

Why they will win the Big 12: Overwhelming talent and great coaching. All they have to do is beat Texas, which is like saying: Yeah, just knock Floyd Mayweather out, that's all.
Why they won't: It's just too hard with a QB with NO experience. Not a NEW QB, like say Nebraska's Sam Keller (he played at ASU before arriving in Lincoln), but a GREEN QB like Bradford or Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen

Predicted record: 11-1, BCS bowl berth