OU loses the following Offensive Linemen: Eric Mensik (17 starts), Cory Brandon (8 starts), Travis Jeffries (3 starts), and Brian Lepak (3 starts).
Returning OL are: Ben Habern (24 starts), Tyler Evans (16 starts), Gabe Ikard (12 starts), Jarvis Jones (10 starts), Donald Stepenson (10 starts), and Stephen Good (9 starts).
They also return TE’s: James Hanna (13 starts) and Trent Ratteree (9starts).
New additions are: Dylan Dismuke (6'6, 292 lbs), Derek Farnoik (6'9, 320 lbs).
Returning OL are: Ben Habern (24 starts), Tyler Evans (16 starts), Gabe Ikard (12 starts), Jarvis Jones (10 starts), Donald Stepenson (10 starts), and Stephen Good (9 starts).
They also return TE’s: James Hanna (13 starts) and Trent Ratteree (9starts).
New additions are: Dylan Dismuke (6'6, 292 lbs), Derek Farnoik (6'9, 320 lbs).
8 of the top 10 teams in the final 2010 Associated poll had at least 63 combined career starts by their offensive linemen. The only exceptions were LSU (52) and OU (42). With the final two BCS title teams Auburn had 111 combined starts and Oregon had 85. Here are the combined career starts for the 2011 teams:
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2011/Jun11/DBJune03.html
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2011/Jun11/DBJune03.html
Keep in mind that OSU last season had just 12 career starts combined on their OL (#117 FBS). But the OC change along with low expectations and very good skill players elevated this team to another level. I believe Texas could possibly have that kind of potential given the serious upgrade of the staff at every position but DC, along with the low preseason expectations. I don't expect a 10-2 or 11-1 type season. But I believe 8 wins is reachable.
No doubt OSU has the best OL in the Big 12. In fact I wouldn't put OU any higher than 3rd or 4th best in the Big 12 behind OSU, Texas A&M and possibly Mizzou. But the difference between OU and OSU has been defense. The question is how much either of those units have changed from last year to this year. No doubt though that the OU/OSU game had one of the best finishes all of last season. If OSU took anything out of that game I bet Bill Young keeps his CB's in a little deeper coverage off the line of scrimmage this year. Plus 7 out of 8 of those DB's who learned that hard lesson are back. That's why I'm kind of leaning towards OSU taking Bedlam this year. There ain't that much difference between the top 3 teams in the Big 12 this season. So homefield advantage will be HUGE.
http://youtu.be/O2mfhwG7PXQ
Clover...I think getting by FSU is a BIG if. I still don't know what to make of this OU team and if they have the mental toughness to get them through a full season undefeated. The Sooners have only gone through the regular season undefeated twice in the last 10 years. And in both of those seasons OU didn't have anybody to beat but Texas. Nebraska had just hired Bo Pelini last time OU went undefeated in 2008. So basically the only two teams we had to beat was Texas and then Mizzou in the the Big 12 title game. Now OU not only has to contend with a top 5 BCS non conference opponent on the road, they have to play two top 10 teams within their own conference. And then there's still Texas and the RRR, where you can pretty much throw out the records. The difference this season from all of the previous seasons is OU can't afford to lose. With the new downsized Big 12-2, if OU loses a game, their more than likely out of the title running. And I think OU is going to lose a game this year. Maybe 2. Vegas is smart. They didn't set OU's win total at 10 for nothing.
You guys can laugh at this statement all you want, but OU's karma will come back and bite them bigtime in regards to helping other teams scheme against Texas. A la 2009 when Bob Stoops flew to Alabama for a long weekend to help Saban scheme against Texas in the National Championship game (which Texas would've won by double digits had Colt not gotten hurt). Anyways, Will Muschamp and Jimbo Fisher are best friends and own a beach house together in Florida. Muschamp and Fisher spent 4 days together scheming for the OU game while down there. Karma's a biotch.
Texas is not nearly the team that Texas fans want to believe that they are. Their win over USC in the NC game was a fluke. Alabama would have crushed them if Colt did not get injured. Alabama would not have let up when McCoy left the game. 37-21 still is rather convicning. Bottom line: OU has OWNED the Big 12, not Texas. OU has won 7 out of the last Nine Big 12 South Titles. Nothing changes this season. OU wins the Big 12-2. Texas may scratch it's way to 8 wins, if they can defeat BYU and UCLA, but they will lose to OU, A&M, and Oklahoma State. They probably lose at Missouri also. I do not know if they can beat Baylor. Texas fans always talk a good game, but Texas rarely produces, when it comes to championships.
