Oklahoma Football: Landry Jones, Sooners Have Talent for Title Run in 2012

With the sour taste of the 2011 season still lingering in our mouths, let me suggest one way to quickly cleanse the palette: Look at the 2012 roster.

Yes, this will require a short memory and a heaping spoonful of optimism, but next season's depth chart is oozing with talent and, unlike this year, the nation's largest chip on their shoulders.

Landry Jones, the most bemoaned school record-holder in NCAA history, thankfully decided to return for his senior year. With as much flack Landry has caught in the media (myself included) for poor accuracy and decision making, I have faith that the quarterback's work ethic and this coaching staff's track record will have him in top form for next season.

Plus, having his marriage with OU basketball standout Whitney Hand out of the way, Landry will be able to focus completely on his season. Can you imagine trying to plan a wedding and lead a team to a national title? No thanks!

A quarterback is only as good as his surrounding cast and OU will return one of the nation's most talented and experienced offenses. The line lost only one starter in LT Donald Stephenson but have plenty of bodies to fill his void. This unit is deep and versatile, most having played several positions while at OU. C Ben Habern and G Gabe Ikard, both All-Conference favorites, will lead the way.

After losing three to transfer this season, the stable of running backs will be as thin as they are talented. Dom Whaley, Roy Finch and Brennan Clay have plenty of ability and experience, but are the only three running backs with a carry at Oklahoma. To the delight of most Sooner fans this means that FB Trey Millard, a possible All-American at the position next year, will get more touches.

While it is impossible to replace Ryan Broyles, the all-time NCAA receptions leader, I am of the belief that his departure will actually make OU's receiving corps, led by junior Kenny Stills, better. They know that Ryan's 100-plus catches per year are going to have to go to someone else, leaving a lot of production up for grabs. Stills, along with Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks, Kameel Jackson and a host of talented, 4-star freshmen are going to fight hard for those extra targets.

The defense took the biggest hit at season's end. All-Big 12 DE Frank Alexander, once-a-decade athlete DE Ronnell Lewis, four-time tackle leader LB Travis Lewis and NFL-bound CB Jamell Flemming together leave gaping holes in both production and leadership for the OU defense. There are still plenty of stars left, but there is no denying that a defense that was continually exposed this year will have to find a new identity in the offseason.

It seems almost certain the Bob's brother and former OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops is set for a return to Norman, bringing with him the kind of no-nonsense toughness that is desperately needed.

While we have heard this song and dance before (look at all that talent! BCS here we come!), I truly believe that the much-needed attitude adjustment is coming and this immense amount of talent will not go to waste next season.

Am I predicting the Sooners' eighth national title? Not yet. The Big 12 is as deep as ever and Notre Dame will provide a stiff non-conference duel. If we have learned anything this year, it is to keep our expectations in check. Just go win the conference and see where that lands them at the end of the year.

As painful as this season was for the players and fans, getting embarrassed by Oklahoma State, Baylor and Texas Tech while taking a well-publicized nose dive through the rankings, it will provide a big, tasty carrot at the end of the stick while preparing for next year.

They will be hungry, they will be ready to fight and they will win.