IT’S FOOTBALL TIME IN OKLAHOMA!

Big Twelve Preview-Oklahoma Sooners

Best case scenario for Oklahoma this 2018 season has the Sooners unstoppable on offense and a much improved defense that puts them in the Final Four for the third time.  It is accomplishable, not a pipe dream, but some things have to come together for it to happen.  Road games in some tough Big Twelve venues and the annual tussle with the  Texas Horns in the Cotton Bowl will be difficulties that this team will have to overcome and win.

Starting quarterback Kyler Murray will be the man that makes or breaks the offense.  He alone makes the decisions on the field and no matter where the plays come from (bench, on field), Murray’s decision making in tough situations will allow OU to make the plays or not.  Rest assured that Murray can make big plays, often with his feet and a great offensive line, and with some help from some top line receivers, his arm.

An offensive line that is deep with experience and skill, OU will run the ball with fidelity, pass protect the quarterback with the same, and give opponents trouble in stopping this Big Red machine.  The Sooners should score with ease against anyone, so to beat this offensive, a ball control offense by the other team (like what Army will try to do) is a must. 

A combination of  Sooner mistakes, fumbles and interceptions, on offense, and an inability to stop the other team from controlling the ball, could lead to upset loses.

OU will not be an underdog in any game they play this year (at this time).

The names are already known for OU’s offensive players. No need to repeat them in this short look from this article. Heisman hopefuls fill the running back position, wide outs, and All-America honors dot the line.  Good luck in shutting this train down.

The defense is the achilleas heal on any given game day for OU  It has been the same for a few years. Can Mike Stoops and his defense get as accomplished as the offense of Lincoln Riley?  Maybe, but do not count on it. 

New players will take snaps in this defense, and again, no need to name names.  It can be said that inexperience, even with super freshman/sophomores, is not a factor of the positive.

You can look for certain games this season where OU will have to outscore the foe, and when that happens too many times, the percentages of getting your ass beat is quite high.  Expect some nail biters, even in Norman, as when the team is challenged, often the better team does get taken to the woodshed. 

An Iowa State upset like last year is always possible, even predictable, as almost all teams lose a game, or two.  OU is no different.  Expect OU to win every time out, but do not count your eggs until they are in the basket.  OU plays some very capable teams in 2018.

Lincoln Riley 2nd year  (12-2)

Games OU will win:  Florida Atlantic, UCLA, Army, Baylor, Texas Tech, Kansas

Games OU should win:  Kansas State, Oklahoma State

Games OU will be in a tight fit with:  Iowa State, Texas Christian, Texas, West Virginia

Final OU record:  10-2 and 7-2 in conference

OU should be one of the two teams in the Big Twelve Conference Championship Game

Feature Photo:   (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)