The Sooners are coming off a disappointing 8-5 season.
They have turned over their coaching staff, seemingly changed their offense and are light years away from the team they were this time a year ago.
The spring game is Saturday. With the offense undergoing the biggest change, including getting a new offensive coordinator and more than a few new coaches, here are a few things to look for on offense as Oklahoma wraps up spring practice:
1. Quarterback Play
Trevor Knight was the starter at this time a year ago, but after a season where he suffered injuries and was inconsistent, conventional wisdom says he's in for some competition this year.
While being the most-experienced, Knight is likely up against Baker Mayfield for the starting job. Knight has been great at times, but he was not against Clemson in the loss to the Tigers in the Russell athletic Bowl. Meanwhile, Mayfield missed all of last season, sitting out after transferring from Texas Tech.
The fit seems natural for Mayfield in the new Sooner offense with new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, who has also coached at Texas Tech.
Expect: All four quarterbacks, including Justice Hansen and Cody Thomas to get snaps Saturday.
Don't expect: Coach Bob Stoops to name a starter. With four quarterbacks, seemingly even, it wouldn't do any good for Stoops to suddenly, based on a few weeks of spring practice to name a starter. All that would do is cause one or maybe more to consider leaving the team.
2. Running strong
One thing the Sooners did really well last year is run the ball. That should continue this season as Samaje Perine and Alex Ross both return.
In addition, the Sooners also have newcomer Joe Mixon, a five-star recruit who sat out all of last season due to a disciplinary issue. Mixon won't be playing in the Spring Game, leaving more carries to Ross and Perine. Redshirt sophomore Daniel Brooks could see some action, too, as the Sooners have a history of letting lesser-known players get plenty of action.
Keith Ford will not participate in the Spring game. Ford was hurt for a good portion of last season. He has been suspended from the team.
Expect: Joe Mixon to create some buzz, despite not playing. Mixon was expected to be in the rotation last season and is one of OU's most notable recruits since Gerald McCoy. Perine was so good last season, it will be interesting to see, how Mixon gets used this season. Seeing him at the Spring Game would have been a good, first-indicator of what he can do.
Don't expect: Perine to play like he did against Kansas when Perine set a single-game rushing record. With the offense expected to be pass-heavy, there's little reason to think Perine will get any more than just a small amount of work. Don't expect to change your opinion of the running game, either. Think passing. Think new offense. Think about how the coaching staff will want to showcase all the new ideas, and that doesn't include Perine and Ross getting a lot of carries.
3. Catch this
Lots of expectations for this season as Riley's offense features lots of passing. Now, we get a first look at what this "Air Raid" offense is all about. We know Sterling Shepard will the No. 1 receiver, but like last season, we still don't know who will step up and be the No. 2 target.
Plenty of options. Plenty of new faces. Plenty of questions, too.
Expect: A healthy Shepard. He missed a number of games last season with injuries, but the Oklahoma City senior should be ready to go Saturday. That doesn't mean he'll play a lot, or catch a lot of passes, but you can expect him to be healthy Saturday and by the start of the season.
You can also expect lots of passes. Riley is going to want to show off what he's got and give us a glimpse of what we will see in August. If this offense is going to be quick-strike, we'll find out Saturday.
Don't expect: To get by without a roster. You'll need a program Google or something to keep up with all these new faces.
Watch for sophomore Jeffrey Mead. He got some limited playing time a season ago, but the 6-foot-6 sophomore from Tulsa, Okla., has the skills to be a great, deep-ball threat.
Others worth watching will be Dahu Green. The Oklahoma City talent was viral last year on the internet with some great catches at Westmoore High.
There's also Durron Neal, who showed glimpses last season and there's junior college receiver Dede Westbrook who will step in immediately and get a chance to start this season.
Follow Andrew Gilman on Twitter: @andrewgilmanOK
