2009 Oklahoma Football Predictions

Written June 22, 2009 by InfoPlays

Oklahoma-Football-Predictions-2009 The Sooners should be putting up a ton of points again, so whether they can emerge out of the Big 12 South will again depend on the defense. OU’s defense needs to work on eliminating big plays and collapses like the one that occurred against Texas last season, and the Sooners could win a fourth-consecutive Big 12 title and return to the national title game. The current NCAA football lines show Oklahoma listed at +450 to win the 2010 BCS National Championship this coming season.

Offense: Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford is back at quarterback, giving the Oklahoma Sooners a chance to be just as prolific as last season, when they became only the third team in college football history to score more than 700 points. OU is loaded everywhere but the offensive line. Tight end Jermaine Gresham opted to return for his senior season after catching 66 balls for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. He is a nightmare matchup because of his 6-6, 261-pound frame and soft hands. Ryan Broyles is the top receiver, who shifts from the slot to split end after setting numerous school freshman receiving records last season. He has the speed to get downfield and blow past defenses. The rest of the receivers are promising, but unproven.

Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray each rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season and they are both back at running back. Murray is coming off hamstring surgery, but he’s expected to be at 100% come fall. Brown, who is known for being a tough runner, worked on improving his speed in the offseason. But all this talent at the skill positions at OU will mean nothing if a revamped offensive line cannot jell in time for the regular season. Senior Trent Williams is the lone returning starter, and he’ll move from right to left tackle to protect Bradford’s blindside. Brian Simmons and Stephen Good man the guards, with Ben Habern at center and Cory Brandon at right tackle. Simmons is the only player of the bunch with significant playing experience other than Williams.

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Defense: The Sooners will return nine starters on a defense that was erratic at times last year, but closed the season strong by holding Texas Tech, Missouri and Florida well below their season averages. This unit is led by tackle Gerald McCoy, a first-team All Big 12 selection last season. Linebacker Travis Lewis broke Brian Bosworth’s school record for tackles by a freshman and he’ll return in ‘09.

The strength of the group appears to be at end thanks to the trio of Frank Alexander, Jeremy Beal and Auston English, who combined for 16 sacks last year. The Sooners are solid at cornerback with the return of starters Dominique Franks and Brian Jackson. They’ll have to stay away from injuries because there isn’t much depth here. The biggest question on the defensive side will be at safety, where OU will be unveiling two new full-time starters in Quinton Carter and Sam Proctor.

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