Are the Sooners Overrated?

Earlier in the week I wrote about the media attention OU had been getting this offseason. Along with that have come several preseason number one rankings from various magazines, newspapers and ESPN. While I am the first to admit I may not be the most optimistic fan, one question has continued to run through my mind as we begin to gear up for the start of the season on September 3: are the Sooners overrated?

There are three areas in particular, four if you include the always scary kicking position, that have the possibility of really hindering this Sooner team from potentially contending for an eight national championship.

It goes without saying that the Sooners offense will be loaded. While this group may not reach the heights of the 2003 or 2008 offense, they still have the potential to be a very high-scoring team. But much like the 2003 Sooners, this offense lacks a clear number one at the running back position. Comparing Roy Finch to Kejuan Jones is ridiculous for a number of reasons, but it may turn out that Finch is a better complimentary back much like Kejuan was. It will be interesting to see if Finch can succeed DeMarco Murray to become a 1A on the team with a 1B to emerge from another running back on the roster, or perhaps another running back will find himself in that lead position.

On defense, the Sooners find themselves in a rather serious hole at defensive tackle. Only three players, Casey Walker, Stacy McGee and Jamarkus McFarland, have seen real experience at the position. With several young players behind them, the Sooners may struggle to create a true pass rush up the middle, which may hinder them when we take a look at the next position: the defensive secondary.

The return of Jamell Fleming brought with it a collective sigh of relief from the Sooner nation, but that still does not automatically ensure a strong secondary. If he returns as a starter, he and Demontre Hurst should prove to be even better in their second seasons as starters. However, the Sooners will welcome two new safeties, potentially Aaron Colvin and Javon Harris, to try and help the corners and help protect the middle of the field that will surely see several openings, unless Tom Wort has dramatically improved in coverage. Colvin did see some playing time at corner last year, but at safety he will be experiencing a completely different type of game.

After practice Thursday, it was announced that Tony Jefferson had been working out at the deep safety position. If he performs well there, he and Colvin could potentially turn this secondary into a real strength for the Sooners. The same could be said for all of these positions. One of the consistencies for the Sooners in the Bob Stoops era has been the ability to turn potential weaknesses into strengths, and if they are able to do that this season, they may very well find themselves hoisting the crystal ball in New Orleans come January.