Poteau Daily News

Team preseason capsules for area teams in top 25

No. 9 Oklahoma

2021 finish: 11-2, No. 10.

Key games: at Nebraska, Sept. 17; vs. No. 10 Baylor, Nov. 5; vs. No. 12 Oklahoma State, Nov. 19.

Potential All-Americans: WR Marvin Mims; P Michael Turk.

Outlook: The Sooners have a new head coach in Brent Venables, and expectations remain high with QB Dillon Gabriel expected to fit seamlessly into new offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s scheme. If the Sooners can escape Nebraska in Lincoln and beat its two toughest regular-season opponents at home in Baylor and Oklahoma State, they could be positioned to make a playoff run.

No. 12 Oklahoma State

2021 finish: 12-2, No. 7.

Key games: vs. Arizona State, Sept. 10; at No. 10 Baylor, Oct. 1; at No. 9 Oklahoma, Nov. 19.

Potential All-Americans: DE Collin Oliver; DE Brock Martin.

Outlook: Oklahoma State came within a yard of winning the Big 12 title, and the all-conference quarterback who got them there -- fourthyear starter Spencer Sanders -- is back. The Cowboys must replace ILB Malcolm Rodriguez, but their dynamic defensive front should help them contend again.

No. 19 Arkansas

2021 finish: 9-4, No. 21.

Key games: vs. No. 23 Cincinnati, Sept. 3; vs. No. 6 Texas A&M at Arlington, Texas, Sept. 24; vs. No. 1 Alabama, Oct. 1; No. 25 BYU, Oct. 15.

Potential All-Americans: S Jalen Catalon; LB Bumper Pool.

Outlook: Arkansas had a breakout season last year with QB K.J. Jefferson leading the way. The schedule is tough with two ranked nonconference opponents on top of the always difficult SEC West slate.

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2022-08-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

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Alberta Newspaper Group