NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Oklahoma is fine without the usual hype this season.
The Sooners entered last season with a No. 4 ranking, boldly talking about securing a berth in the college football playoff. But a season derailed by injuries and close losses culminated in a 40-6 loss to Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl and a disappointing 8-5 finish. No. 19 Oklahoma will take its lowest preseason ranking since 2000 into its opener against Akron on Saturday night.
The Sooners shook things up after last season. They hired offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley to bring back the Air Raid offense that pushed the Sooners to the elite in college football the previous decade. They also switched quarterbacks, picking walk-on transfer Baker Mayfield over last year's starter, Trevor Knight.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.