Last season, like most football seasons, was best case scenario: win a national championship. However, worst case scenario has a way of showing up every once in a while and ruining everything. Look at the 2005 Orange Bowl. Look at the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. And look at the entire 2009 season.
This season, the expectations are high, but not as lofty as 2011. OU was the favorite to win the crystal ball a year ago, and credible members of the media, like Colin Cowherd and Phil Steele, think Oklahoma can make it to South Florida this January. However, it all depends if the Sooners can start off the season strong. Or if Oklahoma falters quickly.
Week One: at Texas-El Paso
Best Case: A night game in the desert to start off the season isn’t exactly ideal. However, UTEP is a team Oklahoma should have no problem with to kick off their 2012 campaign. Oklahoma will look to strike early and often, and even with a few receivers suspended, Landry should rack up the air miles and light up the scoreboard of a stadium he’s played in before. UTEP may match a touchdown in the first quarter, but after that, it should be all Oklahoma.
Worst Case: Let me be clear, upsets can happen at any time. However, even in a worst case scenario. Oklahoma could play a horrible game, and still come away with a victory. Although, the Miners will be fired up for this game. Oklahoma does not have the benefit of playing in Norman to begin the season, and this could be the perfect set-up for UTEP to show up the Sooners at a time when only one or two games are going on. UTEP could keep it close for a half, maybe take OU to the wire if the Miners play out of their mind. However, I don’t have much faith in the Miners to be an early road test for Stoops’ 2012 squad.
Prediction: Oklahoma 56, UTEP 13.
Week Two: Florida A&M
Best Case: The Rattlers get flustered, caught up in the crowd, and Oklahoma dominates Florida A&M like they should. Honestly, this should be no contest, and everyone heads out around the third quarter.
Worst Case: Florida A&M may try to pull a Utah State or Alabama-Birmingham. But let’s not kid ourselves, worst case scenario, UTEP scores two or three touchdowns at the most. However, there is no chance FAMU walks in to Norman and wins.
Prediction: Oklahoma 63, Florida A&M 3.
Week Three: Bye Week
In their first week off, Oklahoma needs to avoid injuries and stay focused. Kansas State will be no pushover in Norman.
Week Four: Kansas State
Best Case: Oklahoma has two solid weeks of preparation, and show up ready for their first Big 12 test of the season. The Wildcats are a bit of dark horse to win the Big 12 championship, but with Collin Klein, I don’t see why K-State can’t contend. However, Oklahoma stopped him last year, and I believe they can do it again. The Sooners will force Klein put up points, and if he gets desperate, it will be all downhill for the Cats in Norman. The Sooners could definitely runaway with this one like 2011.
Worst Case: Remember when the Sooners played Missouri last year in Norman? Imagine the Wildcats take a two touchdown lead like the Tigers, and don’t give it up. They fully control the game, because Klein is that kind of quarterback. Landry Jones could lose confidence in himself if they get down early, and K-State will feed off the fact they are in a Top 5 team’s stadium and taking care of business. The Sooners can lose this one, but they have the edge on the Wildcats. I would just be worried, because this is the earliest the Sooners will probably be tested. And Oklahoma can not afford to lose too many in conference action, because the race for the Big 12 title will be a long and grueling one with not a lot of room for error.
Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Kansas State 20
Week Five: Bye Week
Once again, avoid injuries. Lubbock is the next week, and I would not take that game lightly.