Who needs a quarterback?
Oklahoma doesn't know who will be under center when it begins the season Sept. 1, but bookmakers have locked the Sooners in as overwhelming favorites over North Texas.
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OU is close to a six-touchdown favorite by some online gambling services, with the spread ranging from 38-41 points.
•Immovable object: A year ago at this time, questions were continually raised about the abilities of the Sooner defensive tackles.
But after a fairly good 2006 season — and with the addition of redshirt freshmen Gerald McCoy and Adrian Taylor — the interior of the defensive line is more solidified.
Heading the improvement of the tackles was 310-pound sophomore DeMarcus Granger.
"DeMarcus Granger made huge strides during the course of the spring, played really well toward the end of the year last year and that carried over,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "We need that to happen, as a nose tackle, to be that immovable object inside that any great defense is going to absolutely need.”
•Opportunity: Senior free safety Darien Williams could be back on the field sooner than his expected return time of late August — coach Bob Stoops said Friday he's "a week or so away” — but his absence is providing extra playing time in the OU secondary.
Nic Harris is primarily working in Williams' spot, which opens up the strong safety position for senior D.J. Wolfe and sophomore Keenan Clayton.
"(Wolfe) has a natural feel for tackling and covering,” Venables said. "We are excited for him and all of his experience.
"Keenan Clayton came back from summer and looks great. He will push D.J. through fall camp, and we are counting on him to help us.”
•Kickoff discussion: With the NCAA moving kickoffs from the 35-yard line to the 30, most coaches seem to agree the change will result in more action.
"It is going to be big for both sides,” Stoops said of the rule change. "The cover team has to be great, and fortunately we've been really good covering. You're just going to have opportunities for big plays and big hits.
"My only concern — and I hope it doesn't happen — is that we have more injuries.”
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