Handicapping the Sooners' season

OU Insider John Helsley breaks down how he thinks the Sooners season should, could and will go. He's talking 10-2.

SEPT. 2: ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM

Why OU could win: The Blazers are searching for a quarterback and an offensive philosophy, leaning toward a power running game. Go ahead, just try to muscle these Sooners.

Why OU could lose: Hey, the Sooners lost their opener, at home, as a decided favorite, a year ago. With experienced fronts on both sides of the ball, UAB won't be totally overmatched.

Prediction: OU, 31-10

SEPT. 9: WASHINGTON

Why OU could win: The once-proud Huskies have fallen mightily, picked for the bottom of the Pac-10. Their lone all-conference candidate: punter Sean Douglas. The Sooners should flex some muscles against this Pac-10 softie, building confidence for QB Paul Thompson.

Why OU could lose: Remember ex-OSU coach Bob Simmons, who removed orange-clad fear from Bedlam? He's on Ty Willingham's staff at Washington.

Prediction: OU, 35-6

SEPT. 16 AT OREGON

Why OU could win: Remember the Holiday Bowl? The Sooners seriously out-athleted the Ducks, even if the score didn't reflect it. The gap is even wider now. This could be just the stage to launch Adrian Peterson's Heisman candidacy.

Why OU could lose: The Ducks have a budding star in sophomore running back Jonathan Stewart, who shares more with Adrian Peterson than the No. 28. He'll run behind a line that returns intact. Autzen Stadium is underrated as a road venue, but a snake pit nonetheless. And it's OU's first trip away from home.

Prediction: OU, 23-20

SEPT. 23: MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE

Why OU could win: C'mon, it's a Tennessee directional school!

Why OU could lose: If the trip to Oregon goes awry, there could be a serious Sooner hangover.

Prediction: OU, 35-7

OCT. 7: TEXAS

Why OU could win: Comparing playmakers, the Sooners hold an edge and now boast the game's marquee player in Peterson. The Longhorns are uncertain at quarterback, where Vince Young was "The Man" a year ago.

Why OU could lose: Mack Brown -- and Young -- finally forged a Red River breakthrough a year ago, after five years of Sooner rule. Remember, this series runs in streaks.

Prediction: Texas, 9-7

OCT. 14: IOWA STATE

Why OU could win: The Cyclones aren't bad, for a North team. But there are too many holes on defense and not enough diversity on offense to keep the Sooners off balance.

Why OU could lose: With nine starters back on offense, including the league's top quarterback in Bret Meyer, the 'Clones do possess firepower.

Prediction: OU, 27-13

OCT. 21: COLORADO

Why OU could win: New coach Dan Hawkins' playbook has been a challenge for the Buffs to digest. The OU defense will only add to the confusion.

Why OU could lose: Hawkins is known for his offensive creativity. If the Buffs have started to figure things out by now, and a QB emerges, OU could be trouble.

Prediction: OU, 33-13

OCT. 28: AT MISSOURI

Why OU could win: Mizzou hasn't yet beaten a Bob Stoops team and owns but three wins in the series since 1970. The Tigers' magic man, quarterback Brad Smith, was the one player who made you take notice. He's gone.

Why OU could lose: Smith is gone, but the Tigers should improve in the passing game behind new QB Chase Daniel. Mizzou returns 15 starters. And the Sooners have a history of uncomfortable encounters in Columbia.

Prediction: OU, 20-10

NOV. 4: AT TEXAS A&M

Why OU could win: The Fran Plan hasn't quite taken hold in College Station, where the only concept of defense can be found with the cadets in the stands.

Why OU could lose: Offensively, the Aggies should be explosive -- running and passing. If improved overall, A&M could be unbeaten when the Sooners hit town. Upset special?

Prediction: A&M, 21-20

NOV. 11: TEXAS TECH

Why OU could win: Sooner officials control power to the replay booth. Seriously, despite last year's breakthrough in Lubbock, Tech's high-tech offense still hasn't accomplished much against the Sooners.

Why OU could lose: For all the success of recent Red Raider QBs, sophomore Graham Harrell may be the most gifted to call signals for Mike Leach. And with four talented wideouts returning, the Tech offense may hit new heights.

Prediction: OU, 24-17

NOV. 18: AT BAYLOR

Why OU could win: The Bears have never beaten the Sooners, Big 12 or before. OU will assault a defense searching to replace seven starters.

Why OU could lose: Guy Morriss is raising the bar at Baylor and last year's double-overtime, near-miss in Norman served notice.

Prediction: OU, 35-10

NOV. 25: AT OKLAHOMA STATE

Why OU could win: Peterson just punishes the Pokes. With 486 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his two games against the Cowboys, he's nearly halfway to the 1,000-yard mark in the series.

Why OU could lose: Recent trips to Stillwater have been dicey for the Sooners, marked by close calls and even a Cowboy clubbing in 2002. OSU could be an improved Bobby Reid away from dramatic improvement.

Prediction: OU, 27-13