GAME NOTES: The 10th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners kick off their 112th season of collegiate football this Saturday, when they welcome the UAB Blazers to Norman for a non-conference showdown. After playing for the national championship the prior two seasons, the Sooners slipped a bit in 2005, although the team still finished a respectable 8-4 overall, which included a 17-14 victory over Oregon in the Holiday Bowl. For most teams, that kind of season would be deemed a success, but not for a Sooner club that has been gunning for national titles ever since Bob Stoops took over. Still, Oklahoma played the nation's toughest schedule in '05 and really showed its potential by winning six of its last seven games. With 10 starters back in the fold and a much easier slate this time around, the Sooners may find themselves back on the big stage once again. As for UAB, it suffered a major letdown last season, finishing just 5-6 one year after making its first-ever bowl appearance. The losing record, however, was not exactly indicative of how competitive the team really was, as the Blazers lost all six of their games by nine points or fewer. UAB welcomes back 12 starters from last year's club, although several key position players are gone. Saturday's game marks the first-ever meeting between Oklahoma and UAB on the gridiron.

With the departure of the school's most prolific passer in Darrell Hackney, who helped UAB average 292.1 passing ypg last season, the Blazer will now have to switch their focus to the run game. Corey White and Dan Burks are two of the top rushers in the program's history and have combined for almost 3,400 yards during their careers. Last season, White led the team with 642 yards and seven touchdowns, while Burks was next in line with 321 yards and four scores. Another reason why the Blazers will emphasize the run is the return of four starters on an offensive line that helped the team average 142.6 rushing ypg in 2005. As for the quarterback position, the Blazers will give the first look to senior Chris Williams, who has the most experience, although rather limited. Williams will surely keep an eye out for wideout Norris Drinkard, who is the team's leading returning receiver with 41 catches in '05.

The Blazers are certainly experienced on the defensive side of the ball, but they lack playmakers. Still, six starters return from a unit that allowed 372.4 total ypg in '05, ranking 56th in the nation in total defense. Up front is where three of the team's six starters return, including one of its only big- time playmakers in Larry McSwain. The former juco transfer battled consistent double teams in 2005 and that was the main reason he dropped from 13 sacks in '04 to four in '05. Still, McSwain posted 53 stops last season and is a premier pass rusher at this level. The linebacking corps should be just as good as the line thanks to the return of all three starters. Orlandus King highlights the trio after posting a team-best 85 tackles last season. As for the secondary, it was the weak spot of the UAB defense last year and the same is expected to be true this time around with no starters back in the fold. The secondary does welcome back some experienced players in corner Will Evans and safety Chris Felder, but neither is expected to make much of an impact.

Offensively, the Sooners appeared to be in good shape heading into the season, but the loss of quarterback Rhett Bomar (violated NCAA rules) has changed the complexion and potential of the OU attack. Still, All-American tailback Adrian Peterson is healthy and that may be all that Oklahoma really needs. Peterson, arguably the best tailback in the nation, suffered through an injury-riddled 2005 campaign, but still managed to finish with 1,104 yards and 14 touchdowns. With him now back at full strength, Peterson could contend for a 2,000-yard campaign. However, hindering Peterson's attempt at such a feat is a new quarterback and an offensive line that welcomes back just one starter from a year ago. Stepping in under center and making his second straight season- opening start will be Paul Thompson. The senior started last year's opener against TCU and went just 11-of-26 with 109 yards and an interception in the Sooners' shocking 17-10 home loss to the Horned Frogs. The back-up to Jason White in 2002-03, Thompson moved to wide receiver following the loss where he made two starts and caught 11 passes. Another thing working against Thompson, along with an inexperienced line, is a young receiving corps primarily made up of sophomores. Malcolm Kelly highlights the group and is the team's leading returning receiver with 33 catches and 471 yards last season.

Oklahoma ranked fourth in the nation in rushing defense (90.6 ypg) and 13th in total defense (306.7 ypg) in 2005, and with the return of seven starters this unit could be among the best in the nation once again. It starts up front, where the Sooners welcome back three starters including Calvin Thibodeaux and C.J. Ah You. Thibodeaux missed most of '04 with a knee injury, but made up for lost time by posting 44 stops, 17 TFLs and 10 sacks last season. Combined with Ah You, who was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year after recording seven sacks and 12 TFLs in '05, Oklahoma should have no trouble getting to opposing quarterbacks once again. The linebackers should be every bit as good as the defensive line thanks to the return of starters Rufus Alexander and Zach Latimer. Alexander is considered one of the best backers in the nation after posting 102 tackles, five sacks and 17 TFLs in '05. As for Latimer, he excelled once he was handed the starting job and finished with 84 stops and four sacks. As for the secondary, its strength will lie in corners Reggie Smith and D.J. Wolfe, as the two combined for 112 tackles and four interceptions last season. With a year of experience under their belts, they will certainly cause problems for opposing passing attacks.

Oklahoma is clearly the selection here and although it had to shuffle its quarterback situation, it is still way too talented to lose to a UAB club that must break in a new single-caller itself. Expect a big game from Peterson and the Sooner defense, as they roll over the Blazers at home.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Oklahoma 40, UAB 7