Game week info to keep us busy

[Collier11]

ESPN blogger previews the Big 12

http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/15887/predicting-the-big-12s-2010-season

[Collier11]

The DOK breaks down and grades OU by position

http://newsok.com/ou-football-breaking-down-and-grading-each-position/article/3489432


Quarterbacks: Landry Jones isn't Sam Bradford. But who is? Despite the pressure of replacing a Heisman winner, Jones led all freshmen in passing yards and TDs last season. Look at this way — loads of schools would love for him to be their QB.


Grade: B

Running backs: If DeMarco Murray can somehow stay healthy, OU might just have the best back in the country outside of Alabama's Mark Ingram. But, as history has shown, that's a big if.

Grade: A-

Receivers: Ryan Broyles is a star and arguably the best overall player in the Big 12. But he needs help. Help might have arrived in the form of true freshman Kenny Stills, who outshined all other receives in the Spring Game.

Grade: B+

Offensive line: Bob Stoops is adamant the line is improved. But considering how inconsistent the unit was last year, and considering it has to replace its three best blockers (Trent Williams, Brody Eldridge, Brian Simmons) this line has a lot to prove.

Grade: C

Defensive line: Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander form one of the top end tandems in the country. But the question here is tackle, where the Sooners need Adrian Taylor to reemerge from the bowl game broken ankle. If not, unprovens like Casey Walker, Stacy McGee and Jamarkus McFarland will be on the spot.

Grade: B+

Linebackers: The upside of this group is scary. All-American candidate Travis Lewis returns to anchor the weak-side. If youngsters Tom Wort and Ronnell Lewis play up to their potential, look out.

Grade: A-

Defensive backs: The quality of this unit will hinge on corner, where first-year starters Demontre Hurst and Jamell Fleming will be tossed into action. They'll be flanked, though, by one of the better safety duos in the Big 12 in returning starters Quinton Carter and Jonathan Nelson.

Grade: B

Special teams: Place-kicking woes overshadow what otherwise should be an outstanding group. Tress Way is an All-Big 12 contender at punter, Broyles is among the nation's top returns and the coverage units have been strong, thanks to the infusion of several talented defensive underclassmen. But until OU finds a reliable kicker, special teams can't be considered a strength.

Grade: C+

[Collier11]

OU by the numbers per decade


http://www.newsok.com/the-main-event-the-oklahoma-sooners-by-the-numbers-in-the-2000s/article/3490112

[BoulderSooner79]

I'd argue that C+ rating on special team. Yes, place kicking is below average, but the weighting is too heavy on that aspect. Punting and PRs are excellent, KO coverage is good and I expect KR to be good. I'd say B to B+.

[Crucifax Autumn]

Well yeah...Without the kickoff coverage team being so good our opponent would always start on the 45 instead of the 30!

[BoulderSooner79]

The average opponent start was the 26 which isn't bad regardless of how it gets done. I haven't seen the OU average start on kick offs from last year, but my guess is it was disappointing. I just remember Madu taking off like a rocket, but never able to make anyone miss and usually dropped between the 20-25. But I admit I kept expecting more.

[Crucifax Autumn]

Sorry..I was playing the part of "Sooner fan alarmist chicken little" in that last post.

[Collier11]

The average opponent start was the 26 which isn't bad regardless of how it gets done. I haven't seen the OU average start on kick offs from last year, but my guess is it was disappointing. I just remember Madu taking off like a rocket, but never able to make anyone miss and usually dropped between the 20-25. But I admit I kept expecting more.

and thats with a kicker who often couldnt kick it past the 10 yard line, not bad really. Hopefully this Hunnicut guy can knock the **** out of the ball on KOs

[Collier11]

Bamas Heisman winner Ingram hurts knee, out atleast the opener

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5515780

[Collier11]

Texas gonna start Johnson at RB...hmmmm, never thought of him as the best guy on their roster

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5512653

[Collier11]

Already posted in another thread but Mizzous starting RB being charged with sexual assault

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5512451

[yukonsooner]

Can't put too much into the grading of OU. If you look at their grading of okie state it is almost identical. That can't be right

[Collier11]

I dont take anything that the DOK does very seriously but it is something to read :D