Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners After another Big 12 title in 2008, the Oklahoma Sooners head into the 2009 season filled with optimism. Although the Sooners lost to Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators in the title game, they seem once again poised to make a run at a BCS Championship.

Quarterback Sam Bradford returns after winning the Heisman Trophy to lead an Oklahoma offense that ranked no. 1 in scoring offense with an average of 51.1 points per game in 2008.

NCAA odds makers have opened Oklahoma's odds at 6/1 to win a National Championship.

With Bradford returning along with running back Chris Brown and tight end Jermaine Gresham, the Sooners should continue to put up points like they did in 2008. Along with Bradford's 4,720 yards
threw the air, Brown rushed for 1,220 yards and Gresham amassed 950 receiving yards in the Sooners' explosive offense.

On the other side of the ball, the Sooners defense returns eight starters to a squad that was good in 2008 and figures to be even better this season.

OU returns linebacker Travis Lewis, as well as defensive end Jeremy Beal and cornerback Dominique Franks. Lewis totaled 144 tackles last year and four interceptions, while Beal chipped in 8.5 sacks and Franks should lead the Sooners secondary after intercepting four passes last season.

The Texas Longhorns will once again be Oklahoma's biggest challenge in the Big 12. If the Sooners can get past the Longhorns on October 17th, they should have a clear path to the national title game.