College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2018
By Zach Bigalke
Oklahoma missed a chance to play for the College Football Playoff title in 2017, coughing up a lead to Georgia and losing 54-48 in double overtime at the Rose Bowl. Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns, and Rodney Anderson rushed for 201 yards and two scores in the defeat.
Anderson will be back in 2018, and he will be expected to shoulder more of the offensive load with Mayfield off to the NFL. Tight end Mark Andrews and offensive lineman Orlando Brown also declared for the NFL Draft. The Sooners will likely turn to another transfer, Kyler Murray, at quarterback. Oklahoma’s defense at least returns a slew of talent to Norman.
Lincoln Riley has a team that will once again be the favorites to take the Big 12 title. The second-year head coach nearly pulled off the rare feat of winning a national title in the first season in charge of a program, but he could match the success rate of former boss Bob Stoops if he pulls off the feat in year two.
Oklahoma opens 2018 with a tougher-than-expected showdown against Lane Kiffin and Conference USA champs Florida Atlantic. They also face UCLA and Army out of conference, with all three games taking place in Norman. Getting into the top five of the preseason AP Top 25 might be tough with the key losses, however.