We’ve put out individual position-by-position breakdowns for the 2009
Offense: The Sooners are loaded at every skill position and if the offensive line is just average then they shouldn’t be too far off from last year’s 51.1 point per game average. Quarterback Sam Bradford makes his bid for a second consecutive Heisman Trophy with two 1,000 yard rushers from last season in DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown to keep opposing defenses honest.
When it comes time to go to the air there may not be a more accurate passer in
Obviously the glaring concern for
Defense: The greatest improvement we may see in `09 from any one unit is along the special teams but the second should be in the performance of the defense. In 2009 OU was #1 in the country in turnover margin (+23) and with 8 returning starters the potential is there to duplicate that performance.
Led by All-American Gerald McCoy,
The linebacking corps returns intact in `09 as well. The same group that helped
Like the line for the offensive unit the secondary is where we find the question marks on the defense. Corners Dominique Franks and Brian Jackson will match up well with any receiver in the conference but the safety spots could be a bit unproven. Quinton Carter started a couple of games last season but played in a total of twelve where he gained a reputation of being a hard hitter who thrives on dislodging the ball from the person carrying it. Sam Proctor is the new strong safety and has more special teams experience than anything else and will have to quickly learn on the job.
Special Teams – The return game (both punts and kickoffs) is set with a quartet of guys (Dominique Franks, DeMarco Murray, Ryan Broyles and Cameron Kenny) who have game breaking speed the Sooners should be every bit as dangerous in the return game as they were last season if not more so.
The problems with
Predicted Final Big 12 Standings
North
South
Kansas
Oklahoma
Nebraska
Texas
Missouri
Oklahoma State
Colorado
Texas Tech
Kansas State
Baylor
Iowa State
Texas A&M
Roundtable Questions
Who wins the Big 12 North? See Above
Who wins the Big 12 South? See Above
How many Big 12 teams will be bowl eligable? Nine – Baylor, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech
Which conference team do you think will show the most improvement from last season (in record only)? Baylor
Who is your Non-QB conference player of the year?
Do you believe any Big 12 coaches will be gone (fired or hired elsewhere) after this season?
What would you prefer as the Big 12's 3rd "best" bowl game? The
Better Wide Receiver, Bryant or Briscoe? Both are extremely talented but Briscoe seems unstoppable at times.
Predict the worst non-conference loss (an upset) that the Big 12 will suffer. September 25th –
Predict the MNC participants and champion.