By Wendell Barnhouse
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

A daily countdown previewing the upcoming college football season continues. Today: Oklahoma Sooners.

2007: 11-3 overall, 6-2 in South Division, first.
Bowl game: Lost to West Virginia, 48-28, in Fiesta Bowl.
Coach: Bob Stoops, 97-22, 10th season.
Returning starters: 8 offense, 5 defense.

Staff changes: Kevin Sumlin departed to become the head coach at Houston. Stoops hired Jay Norvell to replace Sumlin and to take over as offensive coordinator.

Offensive outlook: Sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford led the nation in passing efficiency and set an NCAA record for touchdown passes by a freshman. The Sooners might use some no huddle in order to juice the offense's rhythm. Finding a consistent ground gainer and a go-to receiver to replace Malcolm Kelly will be a challenge. The offensive line should be outstanding. Seniors Duke Robinson (guard), Phil Loadholt (tackle) and Jon Cooper (center) are seniors who started every game last season.

Defensive outlook: The Sooners never have a shortage of talent. The defensive front, led by junior end Auston English, could be dominating. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables must replace middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (last season's Big 12 defensive player of the year) and both cornerbacks.

Player on the spot: Gerald McCoy. The sophomore defensive tackle is the key man on a talented defensive line. If he helps stop the run and commands double team blocking, the rest of the Sooners' defense will be able to create havoc.

Player on the rise: DeMarco Murray. The sophomore might be the Sooners' best back since Adrian Peterson was a freshman. Murray has power and breakaway speed plus he's an outstanding receiver. If he stays healthy, he could generate the running game that will keep the heat off of Bradford and the passing game.

Number of note: 38. That's the number of conference championships for Oklahoma in the Big Eight and Big 12 conferences. The Sooners have won five titles in the Big 12's dozen seasons.

Date book: The non-conference schedule should pose no problems for a team with national title aspirations. The annual Red River Rivalry game with Texas in Dallas will carry its usual massive implications. Texas Tech's visit on Nov. 22 could decide the South Division. For sure, the Sooners will be out to avenge last season's loss in Lubbock.

2008 SCHEDULE

THE SCHEDULE - BIG 12 SKYWRITERS TOUR PRESENTED BY TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL