September will bring plenty of answers for the Sooners

The Bomar bummer. More NCAA investigation talk, leading to potentially troubling times ahead. A media ban at practices that leaves us all wondering what these Sooners will really look like.

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Come on September.

Will the turmoil of the early August dismissals of Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn break or bond these Sooners for the season ahead?

Right away, the team moved on with seeming ease, partly due to their respect and belief in Paul Thompson. Coaches did their part, too, creating a seamless transition by naming Thompson the new quarterback starter immediately and backing it up with solid reasoning -- experience, leadership and talent. So emotionally, the Sooners are in a good place.

But emotions are fickle. Thompson now must deliver to assure togetherness.

The Sooners have conceded none of their lofty expectations. Should they lose a game early, regrets of missed opportunity could crash in on the quarterback position. OU fans are particularly harsh on their QBs. Teammates maintain standards as well.

With the offensive focus sure to shift even more reliant on Adrian Peterson, what are his chances at making a run at OU's fifth Heisman Trophy?

If healthy, Peterson will be back at the party in The Big Apple. He's too good. And he'll carry a load full of opportunity, with an increased role in the passing game also in the works.

Defenses will dog Peterson like never before, until Thompson and the passing game command respect. And an unproven offensive line must do its part.

But Peterson's main hurdle may be the media machine that will inevitably carry the candidacy of Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, should the Irish star get it going.

So can an offensive line with just one returning full-time starter be good enough to protect Thompson and plow for Peterson?

OU coaches don't dismiss the danger of inexperience. But they also believe there's talent on this young unit. And they'd rather have talented youngsters than experienced mediocrity.

Because of the skill-position talent, from Peterson to a gifted crew of receivers, the line won't have to be great. Decent will do.

Beware, however, the injury bug. There's virtually no wiggle room between decent and desperate.

Will the defense bear a heavy burden for the Sooners to maximize wins?

Nothing it can't handle.

This may be OU's most complete defense since early in the Stoops era. There's star power up front, in the middle and manning the secondary. (Rufus and Reggie will join Adrian in the awards chase.) There's smarts. And there's depth.

Can Thompson lead the Sooners to a championship?

Thompson is a comfortable leader. And the Sooners are championship capable. But there's so much more to linking the two.

And what kind of championship are we talkin'? Big 12? Yes. National? Tall task. And yet, who else out there among the contenders is undeniably great? Thompson won't have to carry this team. He'll just have to manage it. If he can inspire those around him to be great and make a play or two along the way, don't put a trip to the desert past this team.