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Big 12 Football Spring Preview: Biggest question for each team

By Patrick Schmidt

Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Samaje Perine (32) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Samaje Perine (32) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Zack Sanchez (15) celebrates with linebacker Eric Striker (19) after making an interception during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Zack Sanchez (15) celebrates with linebacker Eric Striker (19) after making an interception during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Oklahoma’s defense rebuild on the fly?

The Oklahoma Sooners won’t figure to have trouble racking up points this season with the return of Heisman candidate Baker Mayfield and running backs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon. The loss of receiver Sterling Shepard to the NFL stings but the points should be piling up in Norman this year.

The thing is the points could be piling up for the Sooners’ opponents too after losing stars like Zack Sanchez, Charles Tapper and Eric Striker. That’s talent at all three levels of the defense that need to be replaced on the fly for a team expected to get back to the College Football Playoff.

As impressive as the offense was last year, the defense was even better and led the conference in scoring defense, rush defense and pass defense but pulling off that triple crown this year with so many departed players appears to be an uphill battle.

Next: Can Oklahoma State protect Mason Rudolph?

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