Oklahoma Sooners

SoonerNation writer Jake Trotter chatted with readers Monday. Here's the full transcript. If you didn't get your question answered, send it to Jake's mailbag to be published on Friday.

Here are a few highlights from his chat:

Tony (Richmond, CA): Will [offensive coordinators Josh] Heupel and [Jay] Norvell be able to diversify the offense next season so that it's not so dependent on a single player (Broyles) like it was in 2011?

Jake Trotter: The offseason should give them enough time to retool. It was clear the offense never could regain any footing without Ryan Broyles in the lineup. The same thing happened in '09 when Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham were lost. That offense didn't have any time to regroup and struggled until the final two games of the season.

Bobby Dill (Bixby, OK): What is the progression of our young DTs? I feel this is the major defensive weakness that exposes our secondary.

Jake Trotter: That will be something to watch in the spring. Jordan Wade is enrolling in Jan., and Jordan Phillips redshirted after enrolling late because of academic issues. The staff must feel good about those two, along with Marquis Anderson, because they are not recruiting any DTs for this class.

Robert (Tahlequah): Where will [Aaron] Colvin and [Gabe] Lynn end up in the secondary next season? Who do you see as our starters in the secondary?

Jake Trotter: My prediction is that [Tony] Jefferson and Colvin start at back safety, and [Kass] Everett and [Demontre] Hurst at corner, with either [Corey] Nelson or [Joe] Ibiloye at NB. But there are several scenarios that could end up happening, much of which depends on Javon Harris and Gabe Lynn. If they bounce back, Jefferson could move back to nickelback.

Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. took an early look at three underclassmen who made the best choices in regards to the NFL draft, and three who made the wrong choice. He includes Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, who decided to return for his senior season at OU, among the "good decisions."

Here's a snippet of what he wrote about the Sooners' signal-caller:

Jones was a potential top-10 pick coming into the season, but could have fallen all the way out of the first round if he stayed in the 2012 class. Now he has a chance to compete with USC's Matt Barkley to be the top quarterback on the 2013 board and solidify a very high grade.

What do you think? Did Jones make the right call?

With the season over, it's time to take a look at the Big 12 in 2012. For now, that means assuming a few things. And we all know what assuming does.

It makes us all look like geniuses.

So, for the purpose of this, I'll assume a few predictions. First, I'll assume Robert Griffin III is heading for the NFL. I'll also assume Mike Stoops lands back at Oklahoma.

That said, it's time to project what this league looks like in 2012.

And, before we start, let me make this clear: The Big 12 from 1-6 is absolutely wide open. Last year, the league only had three legitimate title contenders: Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State. This year, every one of the top six teams (and maybe seven, if RG3 returns) can win the Big 12 in a realistic scenario. The difference between Nos. 2 and 6 is minuscule and could change a ton by the end of spring practice.

And for the curious: I would have Missouri behind Kansas State on this list, and I'd have Texas A&M right behind Texas.

1. Oklahoma: The Sooners moved into the familiar role of favorite after Landry Jones announced he'd return in 2012, but not nearly as heavy a favorite as they were in 2011. Injuries hurt Oklahoma late this season, and replacing Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Frank Alexander, along with linebacker Travis Lewis and corner Jamell Fleming won't be easy. Receivers Kenny Stills and Jaz Reynolds have to play big for the Sooners to get the win.

2. Kansas State: The big question mark for this team is can it take care of business and not get stuck in close games in 2012? The Wildcats were 8-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less this season. They can't count on duplicating that in 2012. They should be better, and return most of the big pieces from this season's 10-win team, most importantly quarterback Collin Klein and linebacker Arthur Brown. Next season is the time to prove it.

3. West Virginia: Who else is excited to see Geno Smith, Dana Holgorsen and the Mountaineer Express show up in Big 12 country next season? Like I wrote last week, giving up 33 points and still winning by five touchdowns is the Big 12 way of life. The Mountaineers broke Baylor's week-old bowl scoring record with 70 points, and bring back most of a good Big East champion team in 2012. The transition won't be easy, but they've got a chance to make a big splash in their inaugural year. The Big 12 and West Virginia are both convinced that the Mountaineers will join the Big 12 in 2012 and are planning as if it will happen, though pending lawsuits with the Big East mean it's still unofficial.

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Mark Schlabach reveals the top five teams in his early top 25 preview for 2012, and includes the Sooners at No. 5. On SportsCenter, Matt Millen revealed that he has Oklahoma at No. 3 in his preseason top 5.

Here's what Schlabach wrote about ranking the Sooners No. 5:

The Sooners fell short of their lofty No. 1 preseason ranking, but a 10-3 finish wasn't bad, especially after OU lost its leading rusher and top receiver to season-ending injuries. Quarterback Landry Jones' decision to return means OU will have one of the country's most explosive offenses, even without all-time leading receiver Ryan Broyles. Four starting offensive linemen are expected back, as well as young receivers Kenny Stills and Jaz Reynolds. Top tailback Dominique Whaley is also coming back from a broken ankle. There are a couple of key pieces to replace on defense -- ends Frank Alexander and Ronnell Lewis and linebacker Travis Lewis. OU's schedule for 2012 hasn't been finalized, but it figures to be more difficult with TCU and possibly West Virginia (if the Mountaineers can leave the Big East) joining the Big 12. The only finalized game to date is an Oct. 27 home contest against Notre Dame.

As National Signing Day approaches on Feb. 1, Brandon Chatmon is breaking down every commitment and signee in the Sooners' 2012 recruiting class. View all of our profiles here.

Name: Kass Everett

Position: Cornerback

Height, Weight: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds

Hometown/School: Philadelphia/Pierce College

Committed: Dec. 21, 2011 (Signed)

Scout grade: NA/Junior College prospect.

Picked OU over: Texas Tech, South Florida, Utah, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana

State of the position: One starting spot is open with senior Jamell Fleming completing his eligibility. Demontre Hurst returns for his senior season. Everett should compete with Gabe Lynn, Bennett Okotcha and others for the starting spot.

Pros: Very physical for his size. Willing to come up and tackle in run support.

Cons: Is not a lockdown cover cornerback.

Similar to/potential role: Jamell Fleming based off his willingness to impact the game with his run support and tackling.

Expected impact: 2012. Even if Everett does not win the starting cornerback job opposite Hurst, he should see the field plenty in a conference that features Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Baylor and other explosive passing offenses.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- For the second straight game, Oklahoma let one scoring run lead to a disappointing conference loss.

With a dominating run to end the first half, Oklahoma State knocked off OU, 72-65, on Monday night at Gallagher Iba Arena. OSU outscored the Sooners 14-2 in the final five minutes of the first half.

OSU led 21-20 with 4:53 left in the opening 20 minutes when guard Keiton Page sparked the Cowboys run. The senior scored eight points including two 3-pointers to spark OSU to a 34-22 halftime lead and get the GIA crowd up and involved in the game.

OU never recovered.

The Sooners didn’t get closer than eight points until 44 seconds remained in the game as OU dropped to 0-3 in Big 12 Conference play after going 10-2 in non-conference action.

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The SoonerNation staff is wrapping up Oklahoma's 10-3 season by answering 10 questions, just like we did during the Sooners' bye week in November. Today:

What was the Sooners' best play of the season?

Stills' clutch catch vs. Florida State
Jaz Reynolds’ one-handed catches at Kansas State were spectacular and Jamell Fleming’s strip and score against Texas was special. But no play impacted OU’s season like Kenny Stills’ fourth quarter touchdown grab over Greg Reid that beat Florida State. The Sooners eventually crashed and burned, but for half the season they were title contenders because of this play. (WATCH)
- Jake Trotter

Tony Jefferson’s one-handed interception vs. Ball State
With his one-handed pick against the Cardinals, the sophomore showed the instincts and athleticism that will make him a cornerstone of OU’s defense. That interception was one of three straight interceptions on three consecutive BSU possessions. A unbelievable sequence for Jefferson. (WATCH)
- Brandon Chatmon

Casey Walker’s sack and fumble against Texas
This might be the most disappointing 10-win season to a lot of fans, but a bright spot was how well the Oklahoma defense played in a 55-17 rout of rival Texas. It all got started in the first quarter by a big-time sack by Casey Walker, forcing a fumble and setting the tone. The OU defense scored three touchdowns against the Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry in the most complete game OU played in 2011. (WATCH)
- Bob Przybylo

Millard's 61-yard rumble to cap the K-State win
Looking back on Oklahoma's 10-3 season, the Sooners' most peculiar win came against scrappy, undefeated Kansas State in Manhattan. The week after the stunning home loss to Texas Tech, the Sooners shut out the Wildcats 35-0 in the second half and routed K-State 58-17. But it was the last score of the game that was capped the victory. Trey Millard lined up behind Landry Jones in the pistol formation, found a gaping hole over the left side, side-stepped a few Kansas State defenders and rumbled 61-yards down the sideline for the score. Who doesn't love fullback touchdowns? (WATCH)
- Dane Beavers

What do you think? Which play was the best of the Sooners' season?

After taking the Ohio State job, Urban Meyer referenced Bob Stoops as someone he learned a lot from after a trip to Norman. Not on the football field. But off it.

Meyer told The New York Times that Stoops had a simple philosophy that resonated with him: “I’m going to coach and coach real hard. But I’m going home. I’m going to take my kids to school in the morning, and no one on this planet can stop me from doing that.

“I’m looking at him, and he’s serious. I say that, but I have to talk to this recruit. I got. … I learned a lot that day.”

Stoops said he wasn’t aware of Meyer’s comments. But he did explain how he has been able to balance football and family.

“Every coach has to do it how he feels is best for him,” Stoops said. “You guys know me well enough. I don't need this. I can do a lot of things. It's never going to be a … When it's all done, there'll be a record. So what? What's that going to do for me? My wife, my kids, my friendships, my close people … that's what matters. This stuff will go by the wayside at some point. The other stuff you'll keep forever.

“It will never consume me where I'm going to sacrifice my relationships with people. And relationships with kids and faith, those things. That's what matters.”

Stoops went on to say that football is important to him. But it’s also not life or death.

“Shoot, nobody's more competitive. I'm competitive. I want to win,” Stoops said. “These people think I don't care enough. Try doing it.

“But when I go inside the house, I'm not going to hang my head around for five days. That's not happening. So, sorry if someone wants me to, or they're going to get me to do it.”

Freshman receiver Justin McCay, a four-star prospect in the class of 2010, is transferring to the University of Kansas, SoonerNation's Jake Trotter has confirmed.

McCay, from Shawnee Mission, Kan., was No. 142 in the 2010 ESPNU 150 and ranked No. 15 at receiver. He redshirted in 2010, and played sparingly this season. He did not record any statistics.

It's expected that McCay will only sit out the 2012 season, despite transferring within the Big 12 Conference. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

McCay is not the first high-profile player to transfer to Kansas. Big 12 blogger David Ubben details new head coach Charlie Weis' acquisitions here.

Oklahoma is looking to earn its first conference win when the Sooners travel to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State at 6 p.m. CT on Monday.

The Sooners are coming off back-to-back blowout losses to Missouri and Kansas after a 10-2 non-conference record. OU’s strong rebounding and good shooting, keys to their non-conference success, has left them early in Big 12 play. Their one constant has been defensive effort, which should give them an advantage heading into Bedlam.

The Cowboys enter the game at 8-7 overall (1-1 in Big 12). There’s plenty of unrest in Stillwater with point guards Reger Dowell and Fred Gulley leaving the team after Christmas leaving freshman Cezar Guerrero and Keiton Page to handle most of the ball handling duties. To top it off, OSU lost third-leading scorer J.P. Olukemi for the season after he suffered a torn ACL.

Both teams need something good to happen to get them moving in a positive direction, making for an intense Bedlam battle.

Key to OU win: Sam Grooms needs to win the point guard battle. If Grooms can control the game and the tempo it will allow Steven Pledger to get quality shots and Andrew Fitzgerald to do his work inside. Grooms will set the tone, particularly on defense, for the Sooners.

Key to OSU win: The Cowboys will have to win the battle on the perimeter with Page and Guerrero having terrific games. If the Cowboys come out and have a great shooting game, they will be tough to beat. Freshman LeBryan Nash will also need to step up with a great first Bedlam. A top 2011 recruit, Nash can be a matchup nightmare when he’s playing well.

Stat line that will tell the tale: OSU assists. The ball tends to stick in people’s hands on offense for OSU, meaning the Cowboys often go one-on-one instead of running the offense to get quality shots. If they share the ball, they’re a different team.

Sooners X factor: Andrew Fitzgerald. The junior forward is the best inside scoring threat in this game. He has quality post moves and the Sooners tend to try to get him involved early. If he has a good game, OU could be tough to beat.

Cowboys X factor: Phillip Jurick. A quality shot blocker, Jurick could have a big impact on this game if he is able to contain Fitzgerald and lessen the offensive rebounding of Romero Osby. He averages 2.3 blocks per game in 18.3 minutes of action.

Chris Fowler, Jesse Palmer and Mark May discuss how close college football is to a plus-one playoff system.