Oklahoma was terrible last year, but things are looking up in 2015

Published Mar. 26, 2015 8:15 a.m. ET

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The Sooners entered last season with loads of hype following a devastatingly impressive performance over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

Many had Oklahoma winning the Big 12 title and participating in the College Football Playoff.

Neither of these will be a concern for Bob Stoops and his Crimson and Cream faithful this spring. This team should enter spring practice grounded after a Stoops-worst five losses last year -- four of which came in the Big 12. The 5-4 mark was the worst conference record of Stoops' entire career.

With an overhauled coaching staff, a rebuilt line of scrimmage on both sides and questions under center, Oklahoma has its work cut out for it this spring. That said, this is still one of the most talented rosters in the nation led by one of the best head coaches, so expectations aren't going anywhere in Norman.

Here are five spring storylines to watch for Oklahoma.

1. The quarterback battle

Trevor Knight was supposed to be a Heisman candidate in 2014, but his season spiraled out of control after a pick-six cost the Sooners the TCU game. Now he is in a dogfight with Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield and former OU baseballer (and spot starter) Cody Thomas for the Sooners' starting gig. Stoops and new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley need to depart spring camp with a good idea of the QB pecking order. The good news for Knight is that he brings something totally different to the table with his athleticism than either Mayfield or Thomas -- IF that is what Riley wants under center.

2. Plug two big gaps at tackle

Departed defensive tackles Jordan Phillips and Chuka Ndulue have left Stoops with a huge void in the middle of his defensive line. There are plenty of linebackers returning and despite issues giving up big plays, the secondary returns plenty of talent, too. But those position groups may not matter if OU can't hold the point of attack up front.

3. Rebuild the O-line

The quarterback position is critical and we will get to the backfield, but the biggest concern on offense for the Sooners is up front along the line. Four starters are gone from this unit, leaving Riley and Stoops to completely rebuild the offensive front. The first task will be at tackle where OU loses two first-team All-Big 12 players in Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson. Stabilizing this group will go a long way to helping develop a quarterback.

4. Divide the workload

This collection of ball carriers might be the best in Norman since the current regime arrived 16 years ago. Which is saying something for a school with Adrian Peterson, Quentin Griffin and DeMarco Murray filling up pages in the record books. Samaje Perine, Alex Ross, Keith Ford, possibly Joe Mixon and incoming freshman Rodney Anderson might form the best backfield in the nation and the new offensive staff needs to figure out a way to get as many of them involved as often as possible. Riley's background as an Air Raid disciple makes this storyline even more intriguing.

5. Stabilize the sideline

One of the biggest storylines for Stoops this spring might have nothing to do with his players. With an entirely new coaching staff around him, meshing on the sidelines and in meeting rooms is just as important as anything else in Norman. Lincoln Riley brings a new offense from East Carolina and designing the right system for the roster will be huge for the Sooners. A reinvention worked for Gary Patterson and TCU last year -- the same could be true for Oklahoma.

Pre-spring outlook on Oklahoma in the Big 12

Oklahoma is always one of the most physically gifted teams in the Big 12 and is led by a potential Hall of Fame coach. Needless to say, the Sooners are always a threat to compete for a league title, especially with one of the best running back corps ever assembled. However, this current roster doesn't feel like one of his best so Stoops will have to find answers under center, along both lines of scrimmage and on the sideline. Should things come together this spring, however, double-digit wins in the fall appear to be well within reach.