Oklahoma Football: Ranking the 2012 Schedule from Easiest to Toughest

Oklahoma had a disappointing season last year, as they opened up the year as the favorites to win it all but ended up finishing with a 10-3 record. This season, they have revenge on their mind as they return a total of 15 starters and bring in an extremely talented recruiting class.

The talent is there to compete for a national championship, but the Big 12 schedule is a difficult one. With two quality programs in West Virginia and TCU added to the mix, things will not be easy for this club in 2012.

With a new season quickly approaching, here are the easiest and most difficult matchups for the 2012 Oklahoma Sooners.

12. Vs. Florida A&M

Last year's record: 7-4

Returning starters: N/A

Probably the only reason the Sooners scheduled Florida A&M was to enjoy its band during the halftime show, but unfortunately that will not happen in 2012. As far as the football game is concerned, Oklahoma rolls easily.

11. At UTEP

Last year's record: 5-7

Returning starters: 11

Oklahoma will open the season on the road in El Paso, taking on the mighty UTEP Miners. Well, not exactly mighty. The defense allowed 30 points a game last season and they lost to teams like Rice and Tulsa. The Sooners may have to wait a week to play a game at home, but this is a victory regardless of where it is played.

10. Vs. Kansas

Last year's record: 2-10

Returning starters: 13

Kansas does have a new head coach in Charlie Weis and quarterback in Dayne Crist, but neither one of those changes helps fix a defense that ranked dead last in the country.

The Sooners have won the last seven meetings against the Jayhawks, and there is nothing to believe the streak won't be extended to eight when this matchup is over and done with.

9. At Iowa State

Last year's record: 6-7

Returning starters: 12

Iowa State managed to upset Texas Tech and Oklahoma State last season, but it's hard to imagine this team having success against Oklahoma. We are talking about a team that was terrible on defense and has a 5-69-2 record against the Sooners all-time. Not to mention the Sooners have won the last 13 meetings. Maybe the crowd in Ames somehow wills its team to victory but I doubt it.

8. At Texas Tech

Last year's record: 5-7

Returning starters: 19

Texas Tech has given the Oklahoma Sooners trouble over the years, including beating them 41-38 last season. Red Raiders quarterback Seth Doege threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns on this Oklahoma defense. He returns for his senior season, and if this defense fails to show up again, Texas Tech will win its second consecutive game against Oklahoma for the first time since 2003-2004.

7. Vs. Baylor

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 14

For the first time in school history, the Baylor Bears managed to knock off the Oklahoma Sooners (1-19 all-time against the Sooners). This time the game will be played in Norman and the Bears no longer have Superman at the quarterback position. Still, they do have playmakers on offense and new starter Nick Florence has looked sharp throughout the spring.

6. Vs. Kansas State

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 16

Kansas State shocked many teams last season, but could not get past Oklahoma, as the Sooners crushed the Wildcats 58-17 to extend its winning streak over the school to five straight.

Kansas State does return a majority of its starters, including dual-threat quarterback Collin Klein. While this team doesn't do many things extremely well, the Wildcats do find ways to win close and ugly games.

5. Vs. Oklahoma State

Last year's record: 12-1

Returning starters: 14

Oklahoma State snapped an eight game losing streak to the Sooners last season and returns enough talent to start a little winning streak of its own. Sure, Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon are no longer on the roster, but 1,000 yard rusher Joseph Randle is. The Cowboys also return eight starters from a defense that forced a nation high 44 turnovers.

4. Vs. Notre Dame

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 14

Notre Dame may be underachievers over the last several years, but this is still a talented team that deserves respect. There are playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and this is a top 30 defense that returns six starters from a year ago. Let's also not forget that the Sooners are 1-8 against the Irish all-time.

3. At TCU

Last year's record: 11-2

Returning starters: 13

The last game of the regular season should be an exciting one for both teams in Fort Worth. TCU may be a newbie to this conference, but the Horned Frogs are no strangers to beating top competition and playing stifling defense. This will be a battle for both teams, and could possibly determine the outcome of the Big 12.

2. Vs. Texas (In Dallas, TX)

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 17

The Longhorns did not stand a chance last season, losing to the Sooners by a score of 55-17. But let's not get carried away, Texas returns a majority of its starters, including a talented backfield and seven starters from a defense that was ranked 11th in the country. The Red River Rivalry is usually a well fought game from both teams and the Sooners shouldn't expect anything less in 2012.

1. At West Virginia

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 14

It may be the Mountaineers first season in the Big 12, but this team is ready for the big time. West Virginia has one of the most explosive offenses in the country, led by quarterback Geno Smith and some of the fastest receivers you will ever see. This game is also being played in Morgantown, which provides an SEC type environment and will make things difficult for the Sooners to handle. West Virginia is new to the conference, but has big goals in its first season.