Oklahoma Sooners Last years'  team is gone.  Do they reload or rebuild?

In the recent weeks, we've seen a man... a changin'.  I'm talking about a former player who kicked some serious ass in the Dooley years,  and showed extreme heart in the NFL - as player then as coach.

The change?  He went from the Ferguson Fire to the Huard Love In.  Let his base nature be known.  Even though the gut-release Brian blasting was reported somewhat out of context, it was, in my opinion, true nature by a coach who covers all bases.  Brian had program knowledge, and subsequently has enrolled at Oklahoma.  Point taken.  As a Carolina fan, point forgiven.  Then when "fat boy" Luke didn't measure up, we saw an opposite approach.  Hey, you wanna be a volunteer coach?  I'm calling that the opposite extreme.

Perhaps Dickie had a few words.  Perhaps John reviewed the media coverage.  Two different reactions that got lots of media coverage from the same man.  I say that he hasn't changed.  But truth be known, the Ferguson comments were taken out of context.  And I'd bet the farm that his true feelings about Huard will never be known.  Therefore, we got the Beast!  Thank God.

And that's why OU will be concerned.  We have a coach that is unknown and unpredictable.  But they know that Bunting has assembled a great coaching staff.  The best indicator of that at this point is Conners and his Strength & Conditioning program in the off-season.  Gains galore.  And they know that Bunting knows football.

Offense
This is my big question mark.  Bunting says we have the "big play makers" type of players.  He mentioned the quarterback, runners, and receivers.  While I don't dispute his comment, I need to see it.  Curry has the bomb and scramble play.  His short passes are in the back or ankles, and his change up at the line is suspect.  The receivers will be only as good as the O-line and QB.  And the runners haven't shown the break-away gainers that are typical at Tailback U.

To me, the offense revolves around the line...  the guys in the trenches.  My buddy, Bill Span, calls them the Trench Fighters.  But it all boils down to blocking, whether for the run or pass.  This year we have a more experienced O-line.  And they will be stronger.  Strength alone gets to the position quicker, for longer during the game.  And strength has more power to hold whatever block is placed for a bit more time.

I think that the combination of increased strength and experience with the offensive line will make a huge difference this year.  Curry will have more time to check off his options... make a better pass.  The runners will convert those consistent 4 to 5 yard gainers into a big play 30 yard gain.  And the game breaking difference will be recognized in receiving.  With threat of run and a bit more time to think, Curry will hit the target, whether long or short, and have his head in the game.

Sorry Trench Fighters, but this years points will entirely depend on you.

Defense
Hot Peppers!  Nuf' said, if your a Carolina fan.  Julius Peppers has emerged as a team leader.  He will lead a defense of head hunters and heart breakers.  Carolina's defensive line will become the best in the country this year.  Our line backers will be more than adequate.  If this premise holds true, then our only perceived weakness in the D backs will be minimized.

Julius is a well documented freak of nature.  God hasn't created any other 6'9", 290 pound defensive end like Pep.  He has quick feet, runs as fast as tailbacks, jumps higher than tall wide receivers, and eats quarterbacks for snacks.  He's a new record waiting to happen.  But no one can double team him without risk due to his great support in other line positions.

The main difference this year will be in coaching.  The past three years of Bible school are over.  Our defensive coordinator was known as a head hunter during his playing days at Carolina.  Jim Webster is another animal in the fold.  If the Beast doesn't see you, then Webster will be covering his back.  I've seen Webster unleashed in a personal fun moment, and it's awesome!  My advise to the defense is "don't get him pissed".

I think our defense will remind us of the 96 and 97 seasons.  Barring injury and as the season goes on, I see the defense making us sit back and just saying "Wow"!  I preface this by saying the offensive must do better than 3 and out.  A good balance with ball possession is imperative.

Special Teams
Immediately, I'm concerned about Reed spraining his left ankle, the plant foot.  Wish it had been his right ankle instead.  But Jeff is a gamer and I expect him to play through it.  In this game, I was hoping for 9 to 12 points from him.

Coverage teams on punt and kick-off?  I'm like everyone else.  I don't have a clue.  But I do know that Bunting has placed a big importance in special teams play.  I hope his efforts pay off.  Think field position.

Return guy?  The Boz is healthy.  And Allen is one guy who can take it home.  Will he have the support of 10 other athletes who can run and block?  He doesn't need much room.

Prediction
I think Carolina fans will enjoy the first half.  Oklahoma won't know what to expect, and Bunting will sock it to them.  I'm guessing a 3 point difference by half time with either team leading.  But it will be in the 14 to 17 points range.  OU essentially has a rookie quarterback who will get to know Peppers and Company.

The second half depends on two factors:  an Oklahoma half-time adjustment to Carolina's strong play and Curry's ability to maintain focus with the mental aspects of running the offense.  The game long undercurrent says that Bunting and his coaches will have the schemes and rotation to be competitive.  And that brings up my concern about Carolina's depth.  The Sooners have it and the Heels don't.

I have a head and heart feeling.  My head says OU 34 - UNC 17.  And given where we were last year that would not be bad.  Especially if we see 60 minutes of strong effort by the Heels.  But forget the head, and give me heart.  I'm going out on a limb, and predicting a Carolina upset - UNC 23 - OU 20. The OU new comer at quarterback isn't quite there, and Carolina's special teams come up big.  I have friends in Norman at this very moment.  Wish I were there!