The Oklahoma Sooners have officially started the post Sam Bradford era, and he’s not the only top talent that’s gone from campus.
Belmont.ag has Oklahoma at 30/1 to win college football’s national title. The Sooners were 6/1 before last season, but were hurt by injuries.
Oklahoma trails 11 overall teams in the odds this year, with Nebraska (12/1) and Texas (15/1) also in the Big 12.
Quarterback Sam Bradford was the No. 1 pick in the entire draft by St. Louis. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and offensive tackle Trent Williams were the third and fourth pick respectively. No school had ever had three players taken in the first four picks before.
Tight end Jermaine Gresham was another first round pick, 21st to Cincinnati.
That talent drain would help decimate any program, but it won’t be as bad for Oklahoma. Bradford got hurt in the opener against BYU and only saw action in two games after that. Gresham missed the whole season with a knee injury.
Landry Jones was Bradford’s replacement and the freshman did a very nice job overall (3,198 passing yards, 26 TD’s). He had 418 yards through the air in their 31-27 Sun Bowl win over Arizona. The Sooners finished the season 8-5.
Jones is one of nine returning starters in an offense that should be strong. The defense only has four returning starters, but there is plenty of young talent ready to make its mark.
Summary
Oklahoma will be battling Nebraska and Texas for Big 12 supremacy this year. While the odds say the Sooners rank third, they could win the conference if they stay healthy.
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ARIZONA? Stanford!
I do understand the handicapping for this article. But, the wonderful thing about college is football is you have to play the games. The talent is too deep and this team is one of the, if not THE, best for attitude of any team Bob Stoops has had there. NU is for real. UT is too shakey to make it. I suspect you all like their QB. He has a lot to learn. Yes, he did well in the game with AL. But, he was an unknown. On the other had Landry Jones has the complete experience to lead the talented team on to the Big 12 South Championship. Receivers must improve over the summer and will. NU is for real. Forget these handicapes. NU and OU for the Big 12 Championship. OU in this game by 10.