The Oklahoma Sooners have won the Big 12 two years in a row, and though they're dealing with plenty of turnover this offseason (particularly offensively) they go into the 2017 season as the favorites to win the conference for a third year in a row. However, their goals don't just end there - this group is determined to make it back to the College Football Playoff. Here are three reasons why they'll do just that:
3) Game-changing talent stepping up on defense
Just as Oklahoma's offense has to find a way to last year's stars this season, their defense had to do that in 2016 - and found some stars in linebackers Caleb Kelly and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Kelly, in particular, has All-American potential and is ready to prove himself as one of the best players in the entire country.
In the secondary, Jordan Thomas and Jordan Parker might be the best cornerback duo in the Big 12, with Thomas coming off a junior year in which he broke up 17 passes. This group will be good enough to carry the load while OU's offense gets up to speed.
2) Who will stop them in the Big 12?
The Big 12 has been one of the better conferences in the country over the past few years, but this year looks like it may be a down one for the conference. TCU isn't a contender anymore, Baylor is rebuilding, Texas is a year or two away and Oklahoma State overachieved in the biggest way last year (and they're still little brother). Plus, the Sooners get both TCU and West Virginia at home. It's hard to imagine anyone but Oklahoma winning the conference, putting them in prime position for the CFP berth.
1) Baker Mayfield's greatness
Mayfield is the walk-on turned starter turned Heisman candidate, surpassing all of the expectations placed on him. He completed 71.2 percent of his passes for 3,669 yards, 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. He didn't run as much as he did in his first year in Norman, but still picked up 143 yards and six touchdowns.
He's now the unquestioned leader with Dede Westbrook, Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon all in the NFL, and he figures to only do better with that responsibility. His dual-threat ability, combined smart decision making and incredible accuracy, will make him a Heisman favorite.
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