Big 12 Syllabus Series: Oklahoma Sooners

It wasn’t that long ago when many were questioning if Bob Stoops was the reason why the Sooners couldn’t win the big games. From 2003 through 2008, the Sooners had only one bowl win. Included in that stretch was an 0-5 record in BCS bowl appearances, and 2008 season’s title game loss to Florida.

The last three seasons have been a different story. The Sooners have gone 3-0 in their bowl appearances, including a victory in the 2011 Fiesta Bowl.

Going into the 2011 season, Oklahoma was geared up for a national title run as the number one ranked team in the Associated Press poll. Unfortunately for the Sooners, the defense gave up too many big plays to win a Big 12 title, let alone the BCS. Not only did the defense fade out when needed, but the offense was just as guilty for underachieving.

The return of Mike Stoops as defensive coordinator has sent positive vibes through Sooner nation and what was lacking from the defense in his absence since the 2003 season, looks to return in the form of a faster pace of play.

The off-season hasn’t been kind to the Sooners. Six players will be absent from the roster. The most recent blow to this team was the loss of offensive lineman Tyler Evans to a season ending knee injury. Evans was entering his senior season with 29 starts. The offensive line suffered another loss recently when senior Ben Habern gave up his position due to lingering neck and back issues. Habern was also a very experienced piece to what is the deepest unit on the team with 30 starts.

Offensively, the Sooners ranked fifth in the nation in 2011. Kenny Stills will try to become Landry Jones’ primary target. Stills didn’t exactly dominate after Ryan Broyles went down, but did show he is capable with the speed and hands to be a big-time threat. Incoming Penn State transfer Justin Brown will be another option for Jones to find new trust in. Brown wasn’t able to show just how talented he is at PSU. The Nittany Lions didn’t have much of a passing game to showcase. He has great size for a receiver at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds.

It will be interesting to see how much the Belldozer package will be used in 2012. Sophomore quarterback Blake Bell was very effective in his own package as a freshman last year, when he ran for 13 touchdowns in goal line situations.

The offensive line will still be very good. Loosing Evans and Habern hurts, but the line is still returning four starters and with the depth, should still provide the same pass protection for Jones and the running game.

Pre-season expectations are nothing new for OU; in fact, it’s become somewhat of a tradition. Once again the Crimson and Cream are expected to be in the hunt for a national championship.

3 & Out

1st Down: Mike Stoops returns

Some fans or writers will say the defense didn’t fall off the map while Mike Stoops was with Arizona, but thanks to C.J. Moore on cbssports.com, the numbers between the time Stoops was in charge of the defense and when he was absent are evident. Not only did the defense fade out when needed, but the offense was just as guilty for underachieving. Moore points out that since Mike Stoops left Oklahoma, the Sooner defense gave up 40 or more points 11 times.

Stoops can return the Sooners back to one of the top defenses in the nation, something that is needed in today’s Big 12. The offenses within the conference are a bit different than Stoops may remember. Last season the Big 12 had four of the top seven offenses in the nation.

Looking at the defensive rankings without Stoops is another clear sign that his absence was felt.

Sooners Total Defense Rankings in Bob Stoops Era

1999- 39th

2000- 8th

2001- 4th

2002- 10th

2003- 3rd (Mike Stoops leaves for Arizona after regular season)

2004- 13th

2005- 13th

2006- 16th

2007- 26th

2008- 68th

2009- 8th

2010- 53rd

2011- 55th

The defense has been simplified in an effort to allow players to just go out and make plays, rather than making them think too much with an overcomplicated scheme. Stoops has also made a few personnel changes moving Tony Jefferson from nickel back to safety and moving Aaron Colvin over to the other cornerback position.

2nd Down: Landry Jones and the next step

The debate has been between Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones and West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith: who is the top quarterback in the conference? It’s close and both could possibly be in the running for the Heisman Trophy.

In order for Jones to lead the Sooners to a Big 12 title and national championship, he will need to take the next step.

Jones struggled with consistency without his top receiver Ryan Broyles and as the season went on, his interceptions became an issue. His biggest problems last season were making quick decisions when dropping back, as well as his accuracy. The biggest eye sore from 2011 was during a six-game stretch, he threw three or more interceptions in each game.

Jones will need to develop the same trust he had in Broyles before he went down to injury with a new No. 1. Stills is the likely candidate, but with the recent transfer of former Penn State transfer Brown, a 1A and 1B combo has the potential to wreak havoc in the conference.

The surrounding pieces on offense are there for Jones to make a run at the Heisman and a national championship. He has been working on his mobility — amongst other weaknesses in his game — with quarterback guru George Whitfield and appears confident he is ready to take the next step.

3rd Down: Bringing the Big 12 title back to Norman

The return of Mike Stoops helps the Sooners’ chances for a championship more than people may realize. The defense will have the killer instinct it has been missing the last few years. The secondary has the speed, but needs to be more consistent. Corners Demontre Hurst and former safety Aaron Colvin are about as dangerous of a tandem there is in the Big 12. Safety Tony Jefferson is one the best all-around defenders in the nation and will provide a nice anchor for the secondary.

There is the talent on offense to be the best in the conference, but it all falls on quarterback Landry Jones. If he cuts back on the interceptions and plays more like he did in 2010, the Sooners will be extremely dangerous.

OU kicks off the season in El Paso against UTEP and then travels home to take on Florida A&M before a bye. In Week 4, the Sooners will face Kansas State in Norman before another another bye. 3-0 is the likely beginning to the season and the Sooners can win every other game on the schedule, but I believe they will lose one game against WVU. The game against West Virginia in Morgantown will most likely determine the Big 12 title. The Sooners would also be wise not to underestimate TCU on the road.