OU running back DeMarco Murray is spending spring practice rehabbing from a dislocated kneecap. But that didn't deter Rivals.com college football senior writer Olin Buchanan from calling Murray the seventh "scariest offensive player” going into the 2008 season.
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"The Texas Longhorns can attest to Murray's game-breaking ability,” wrote Buchanan. "His 65-yard touchdown run turned the tide in last season's 28-21 OU victory. That was one of seven touchdowns Murray scored from at least 20 yards. He also scored on kickoff returns of 91 and 81 yards and had a 92-yard touchdown run. He rushed for 764 yards — averaging 6 yards per carry — despite playing much of the season in a reserve role and missing the final three games because of injury.”
West Virginia quarterback Pat White and running back Noel Devine tied for first on his list.
Buchanan ranked Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin No. 2 and Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree No. 3.
•OU replacing "Big Three” a big story line: Among Sports Illustrated's StewartMandel's big story lines to watch in college football next season includes how OU will replace the three juniors it lost early to the NFL Draft.
Wrote Mandel: "The Sooners were looking like a no-brainer preseason No. 1 choice until: A) West Virginia beat the living daylights out of them; and B) Oklahoma's three most important players (outside of QB Sam Bradford) — receiver Malcolm Kelly, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton and defensive back Reggie Smith — all bolted for the NFL. The loss of Lofton, last season's Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, was particularly damaging.
"Returning starter Ryan Reynolds is expected to slide over to Lofton's vacated spot, which means some unproven youngster — redshirt freshman Travis Lewis? — will need to establish himself at outside linebacker. Meanwhile, the pressure will be on sophomore CB Dominique Franks to fill the void left by Smith, and it's anyone's best guess who will emerge at receiver opposite Juaquin Iglesias.”
•Dodd has OU No. 2: Dennis Dodd of CBS Sportsline didn't allow OU's loss of Kelly, Lofton and Smith to keep him from ranking OU No. 2 in his preseason poll.
Dodd has Georgia, which hammered Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl, No. 1.
USC, Ohio State, Missouri, Florida, Kansas, Texas, LSU and West Virginia round out Dodd's top 10.
By Jake Trotter
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Our offense in fine. If our defense doesn't become our priority. Venables may be on the Chopping Block. I haven't seen real intensity since Mike went to Arizona. We need to progress throughout the season also. Tell them boys a national championship takes no shortcuts. Hard work and execution; we already have the talent.
CBS Sportsline has 4 Big 12 teams in top 10. Impressive! Don't agree with Your,way. Maclin is a stud. Do you know if almost came to OU? Was leaning then switched to Mizzou. Would have been nice to have him in the slot.
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