Mike Sherman: Turnaround for OU starts with recruiting

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OU-Kansas State was a horrible game, Mike. What do the Sooners have to do to get back into the national title picture?

The change has to happen in recruiting. There has to be a good mix of Oklahoma and Texas recruits for whom being a Sooner was something they dreamed of. Those are the guys who are beholden to the program and not the other way around.

Sure you've got to mix in Florida and California guys. Go get players where ever you can find them. Those three Muskogee guys who all washed out? That famed receiver class that included Josh Jarboe? These are the mistakes the Sooners are paying for now. That national title picture? They won't be in it this year, no matter what Landry Jones says. They're not good enough.

Your thoughts about OSU vs TX. Do you think OSU's defense will stop TX offense?

The question to me is can the Cowboys beat one of the Big 12's top two defenses with a backup quarterback. I'm picking Texas in a close one. I think OSU's defense can be successful, but the turnover trend seems to have ended. Texas has the best defense in this game, and OSU's diminished downfield passing threat (and it will be even if Lunt plays) gives the Horns the edge.

What are the chances of OU going to the national title game if they win the rest of their games?

Big, big, if. But I'll bite. The Sooners certainly have the games remaining to climb the ladder. Games with No. 9 (WVU), No. 10 (Notre Dame), No. 12 (Texas), No. 15 (TCU) gives you the rungs to climb. Again, a big, big if -- because I don't see them winning all those games -- but they could get close. I'd say yes if there was still a Big 12 title game because that would give them a shot at avenging that Kansas State loss. A home loss is difficult to surmount both for the perception and what it says -- you're not as good as you have been.

What is your prediction on Harden? I think he plays this year and in the offseason Presti gets the best deal he can in a sign and trade like maybe young players and/or picks.