Oklahoma Football: 5 reasons why Sooners will repeat as Big 12 champs

Apr 8, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Abdul Adams (23) catches a pass in front of Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Curtis Bolton (18) during the spring game 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 cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) reaches up to intercept this pass intended for Auburn Tigers wide receiver Tony Stevens (8) in the fourth quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Improved defense

The Oklahoma Sooners defense should be much improved in 2017. They are making the transition back to a traditional 4-3 base, which should help simplify things for them.

The Sooners defense allowed 28.8 points per game, 5th in the Big 12, but some changes up front should give them an advantage.

Cornerbacks Jordan Thomas and Jordan Parker lead a secondary looking to give up less passing yards through the air in 2017. Thomas did have 17 pass breakups in 2016, but he had just one interception all season. He had five interceptions in 2015.

Converted linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo leads a defense that allowed just 162.6 rushing yards per game, second in the Big 12. Okoronkwo led the team with 12.0 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks on the season.

The Oklahoma defense will need to replace linebacker Jordan Evans but it explains the change in defensive schemes. With a lack of a playmaker on defense, strength in numbers will help the Sooners balance things out, hopefully.

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