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To listen last winter to Oklahoma fans -- and sometimes players -- you'd have thought the Sooners' 2003 season was a disaster. There wasn't any dwelling on a 12-0 start. The losing streak, which, at two games, matched the longest in the Bob Stoops era, dominated conversation. Just ask quarterback Jason White, who won the Heisman Trophy but was denied a championship.
"It definitely put a damper on the whole season," White said.
And fueled the Sooners' resolve for 2004. "I think the whole team's more hungry," he said.
Here's the good news for Oklahoma fans: The Sooners return the nucleus of the unit that pursued history through 12 games last season. The Sooners return nine offensive starters from a unit that set the school record for scoring, averaging 42.9 points per game. And with the arrival of a freshman phenom at tailback, the running game -- a weakness in 2003 -- should be strengthened.
OU must replace three national award winners from its defense. But the Sooners believe they've reached the point of reloading, not rebuilding.
It all points to another run at the national championship. "We've got a lot of guys back," Stoops said. "I would think we've got about as good a shot as anybody."
White, who tossed 40 touchdown passes and just 10 interceptions, returns for a sixth season, which was granted by the NCAA because he missed most of the 2001 and '02 seasons with blown-out knees. Clayton, who set school records for catches (83), yards (1,425) and touchdowns (15), leads a deep and talented receiving corps. The Sooners expect to get more from their tight ends than they did last season as well.
But the biggest potential upgrade to the offense comes at tailback, where incoming freshman Adrian Peterson will get a chance to contribute immediately.
Dusty Dvoracek appears ready to take over Tommie Harris' role and eat up double teams at tackle. Last year, Dvoracek (not Harris) led OU's interior linemen in tackles for a loss (16) and sacks (seven).
Lance Mitchell returns at middle linebacker after missing last season because of a torn ACL. He'll anchor the Sooner linebacking corps.
The biggest loss might be cornerback Derrick Strait, a four-year starter who was praised for his consistency and leadership. Several players will get a shot at Strait's spot, including Eric Bassey, Jowahn Poteat and highly regarded junior college transfer Chijioke Onyenegecha. Otherwise, OU's secondary appears as quick and dangerous as usual.
Two years ago, Trey DiCarlo won an open tryout for the Sooners' placekicking duties. A finalist for the Lou Groza award last season, DiCarlo is firmly entrenched as a reliable weapon.
Blake Ferguson returns for his third season as punter.
The Sooners are still feeling the sting; White and the Sooners are determined to finish this season the right way.
Oklahoma must travel to Kansas State, and of course there's that annual tilt with Texas in Dallas. Otherwise, the schedule sets up nicely for another run at a championship.
• Click here for a complete list of 2004 Team Previews from Athlon
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