Big 12 Football Preseason Power Rankings: Boomer Sooner
By VF Castro
No. 1: Oklahoma Sooners
Let me preface this by saying I hope media finally stops making color commentary in Oklahoma games about Baker Mayfield versus Texas Tech. It was discussed and addressed this summer that not only are Mayfield and Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes friends, Texas Tech and Kliff Kingsbury voted in favor of the Baker Mayfield Transfer Rule. Kingsbury has been vocal in his admiration of Mayfield, and wishes him well in every game but one.
It goes without question that everyone wants the conference to perform at its best, so is stands to reason that people shouldn’t look for narratives where there aren’t any.
Moving on, Oklahoma is, hands down, the best team in the conference right now, and it’s hard to contest that. As I said before in Texas Tech’s ranking, with a playoff run and Heisman statistics highlighting its 2016 resume, the Sooners give the conference the best shot for a playoff repeat, and perhaps, an appearance in New York for the Heisman Trophy.
The expectations are exceedingly high for the Sooners this season, and with non-conference season openers at Houston (Sept. 3) and against Ohio State (Sept. 17), it presents a strong case as strength of schedule is always a highly discussed measurable in post-season debates.
Not only do the Sooners return Mayfield, a stable of leading rushers in Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine, and Alex Ross are also returning, with receiver Dede Westbrook (46 catches for 743-yards and 4 touchdowns) ready to make up for a critical veteran loss in Sterling Shepard.
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The biggest scars heading into 2016 are the huge upset against Texas last season in the Red River Rivalry, and against Clemson in the Orange Bowl. The biggest question remains: “We know the Sooners can make it to the big games, but will they be able to win it all in 2016?” That is a question that will be revealed over time, but with Big 12 teams mounting up, a lot of red flags remain.
Silver Lining: The Sooners will be deadly in the passing game, and return crucial starters on defense. In a conference that is notorious for lacking discipline on defense, if the Sooners can improve its national rankings, the Playoffs will be in the bag.