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Oklahoma Football: 5 reasons Sooners win 2016 national title

By Danny Jaillet

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. The Emergence of Dede Westbrook

The Sooners are going to be without their leading receiver from last year in Sterling Shepard, who was drafted by the New York Giants. The good news is that they have Dede Westbrook, the senior receiver who was second on the team in receiving last year with 45 receptions for 743 yards and four touchdowns.

Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners /

Oklahoma Sooners

With Shepard gone, Westbrook is in prime position to have a great year.

Averaging 16.3 yards per catch last season, Westbrook’s best game came on October 3 against West Virginia when he caught five passes for 107 yards, averaging out to 21.4 yards per catch in the contest.

2016 should be a breakout year for Westbrook. He has shown he can put up big numbers, and now with Shepard gone to the NFL as well as other receiving weapons like Durron Neal (Denver Broncos) taking his talents to the pro game, Westbrook will have ample opportunities to be a difference maker and make the most of them.

Westbrook’s ability to step up and make plays will give the offense a playmaker at the wideout position, and be one of the major reasons why they could be hoisting the championship trophy in January.

Next: Bob Stoops

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