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Evaluating the Top 10 Groups of FBS Returning Starters in 2017

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws on the run against the Auburn Tigers in the third quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws on the run against the Auburn Tigers in the third quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma loses both of its star running backs and top wideout Dede Westbrook, but with Baker Mayfield returning at quarterback the Sooners should remain one of the top offensive teams in the country. Mayfield will be joined by eight other returning starters on offense. Bob Stoops’ team could score even more than the 44 points per game they put up in 2016, which was already good enough to rank third nationally.

What could make Oklahoma a contender not just for the Big 12 but also to return to the College Football Playoff is a defense that returns seven starters. Ranked outside the top 50 in every relevant defensive category, the experience gained by this unit against a tough gauntlet of opposition could bear major fruit in 2017.

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