2014 Big 12 Football Preview: Oklahoma

Boomer Sooner! Bommer Sonner! The Oklahoma Sooners finished last season 11-2, concluding the season with a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl. This season the Sooners are in good shape to compete for the National Championship and here is why.

Incoming Freshman:

There is some great freshman talent coming in for the Oklahoma football program this season. The two players that will most likely have the most impact this season will be Joe Mixon and Tito Windham. Joe Mixon is a five-star recruit runner back who has incredible speed and power. With running back Damien Williams gone, Mixon will be able to replace that spot with ease. I would be on the lookout for him to be a breakout freshman for the season and winning some accolades in the Big 12.

Tito Windham is a three-star recruit cornerback with tremendous upside. Windham shows tremendous speed and great instincts on the ball.  With these abilities he should be able to shine as a cornerback, and make big plays on special teams.

Who to look out for:

This season Sooner fans need to be looking out for Trevor Knight. During the Sugar Bowl he torched Alabama’s defense for 384 passing yards, and 4 TD. That is pretty impressive against a stud defense such as Alabama. The OU line will also be something to be feared. With returning staters on the O-Line Darly Williams and Nila Kasiati, it should set up Mixon and Knight to have an incredible offensive season. The only concern for the offense is the receiving core, who are short on experience. However, with an experienced O-Line, great QB, and exceptional runner backs the Sooners should be fine.

On the defensive side of the ball the Oklahoma Sooners will be a force to be reckoned with. The defensive front will be returning all staters in full force.  Oklahoma’s defense only allowed 5.4 yards per play in Big 12 games and finished second in the conference by allowing allow 22.1 points per game throughout the season. This defense will be lead by Junior DE Charles Tapper. Last season, he was named All-Big 12 First team by the coaches and started in 13 games for the Sooners. Tapper finished the season with 49 total tackles, 9 tackles for lost, and 5.5 sacks.

What to expect:

The Oklahoma Sooners have a chance to go undefeated this season. With there toughest opponents being TCU, Texas, and Oklahoma with TCU being the only one of those game away. That game away at TCU will be a tough one, but with the return of an outstanding defense and new weapons on offense, a National Championship playoff is within their grasp.

 

Charlie’s Quick Hits
Charlie’s Quick Hits