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When is the Oklahoma football spring game?

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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Spring game information for Bob Stoops and his Oklahoma football team as the Sooners look to repeat as Big 12 champions and return to the College Football Playoff.

The Oklahoma Sooners bounced back after a five-loss season in 2014 with a Big 12 title and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Bob Stoops’ team was led by Texas Tech transfer quarterback Baker Mayfield enters the 2016 season on the short list for Heisman candidates with his dual-threat ability.

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Mayfield won’t have his go-to weapon Sterling Shepard this year with the Sooners leading receiver of a year ago entering the NFL, but he does have the two-headed monster in the backfield to rely on in Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon.

Perine was the Oklahoma offense two years ago as a freshman when Mixon was suspended and Mayfield was sitting out per NCAA transfer rules, but he doesn’t need to be the bell-cow back anymore with help around him.

He’s still capable of toting the rock 25 times a game when necessary, but the presence of the former five-star back adds another dimension to offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley’s offense.

The offense should continue to be one of the best in the nation, but the defense is the biggest question facing the Sooners. Gone are Eric Striker, Charles Tapper, Zach Sanchez, among others.

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That’s the three best players on the defense and all played at three different levels of the defense, so there are holes that need to be plugged for the Sooners to get back to the Playoff.

In the offensive-friendly Big 12, they don’t have to be a shutdown unit, but their ability to fill the holes and stop the pass will be imperative for their repeat bid.

The Oklahoma spring game is scheduled for April 9.

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