So let's get this straight -- Oklahoma loses Roy Williams, the nation's top DB, and Rocky Calmus, the country's top LB, and they're gonna be better? Scary thought, but Bob Stoops believes it.

In fact, Stoops says this squad might be stronger and deeper than his 2000 national title team. Last season the Sooners offense, decimated by injuries, kept OU from getting to the title game. But QB Jason White's ACL has healed, and the patchwork young O-line is now stocked and ready.

Better still, new line coach Kevin Wilson brings an aggressive, fast-paced scheme that enabled 4–7 Northwestern to average 443 yards per game; the Sooners averaged just 367 total yards. "There's definitely a new attitude on offense around here, especially on the offensive line," says All-America TE Trent Smith. "They seem to walk out with their chests stuck out more. It's exciting to see, and it inspires the rest of the team."

Around Norman, the D usually does most of the inspiring. That side of the ball is once again in safe hands, with three potential All-America candidates: DT Tommie Harris, OLB Teddy Lehman and CB Andre Woolfolk. Stoops says this is "absolutely" his fastest D ever.

Do the Sooners mind that big crimson X on their backs? Hardly. "We've got a hunger we lacked last year," Smith says. "Coming into the season, we're like a bunch of starving wolves."

HOT WIRE

Concerned about his stale offense, Stoops snuck over to Northwestern and convinced Wilson to come to Norman. Wilson has tightened OU's line splits, creating a quick-hitting downhill running game that should turn around a ground attack that finished 89th. Expect 5'7" bowling ball HB Quentin Griffin to do the most damage. The goal, Stoops says, is to keep his QBs out of second-and-long situations.

TRIP WIRE

The kicking game, traditionally an OU strength, isn't. The Sooners aren't sweating over soph P Blake Ferguson, kid brother of former Sooners P Jeff Ferguson. They're worried about K Steve Sarubbi, a JC transfer. Touted frosh K Josh Roberts gave up football and moved to New York.

WIRE TAP

"Make their QB beat you. White's tough, but he hasn't proven he's accurate. Nate Hybl's release is slow and the coaching staff doesn't really believe in him. They have athletes on the outside, but they have trouble getting them the ball. And they rely too much on Smith. It sounds crazy to suggest doubling a tight end, but I'd do it and make their QB beat me up top."

BRISTOL WIRE

Chris Fowler: "New play-caller Chuck Long promises more variety as offensive coordinator, but is tough Jason White a skilled enough triggerman? Kicking is also a question."

The ESPN Power 16
1	Oklahoma	9	Colorado
2	Florida State	10	Washington State
3	Miami	11	Washington
4	Texas	12	Oregon
5	Tennessee	13	Nebraska
6	Florida	14	Michigan State
7	Georgia	15	Virginia Tech
8	Ohio State	16	LSU

This article appears in the September 2 issue of ESPN The Magazine.