Can the Sooners hold that lofty position until the end of the season? Is anyone really expecting them to do so after last week when nine ranked teams lost?
The Sooners at least have proved they have the offense needed to succeed. Last week, quarterback Sam Bradford strengthened his Heisman chances by throwing for a career-high 411 yards and three touchdowns in the Sooners' 35-10 whipping of TCU, which entered the game with the nation's top-ranked defense.
The Sooners have a variety of offensive threats, and it's variety that wins championships. Running backs Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray provide a two-back attack, freshman receiver Ryan Broyles already is setting records, and tight end Jermaine Grisham gives Bradford yet another option.
The Sooners also have a "been there, done that" attitude too that should help them navigate a difficult Big 12 schedule.
A year ago, they were upset by Colorado 24-21 in the Big 12 opener. If it weren't for that loss, this week's game at Baylor might serve as a trap game before the Sooners host Texas next week, especially since Oklahoma has defeated the Bears in the last 12 meetings.
But that loss to Colorado, and last week's Top 25 upsets, are reminders to the Sooners no game can be presumed a victory.
"Our guys know who has lost and how they've lost," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said.
The showdown with Texas should be one of the best regular-season matchups of the year, but it's just the start of a difficult run for the Sooners. Games against No. 16 Kansas, a trip to Texas A&M, then final games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State could all be dream crushers.
If the Sooners survive that, a likely meeting with Missouri in the Big 12 title game awaits.
While we can afford to look ahead, the Sooners aren't; all they have to do is look back and see why.
"If you're not prepared to play and you're not at your best, you can be beat," Stoops said.
Conference of QBs
Remember when the Pac-10 was a league that boasted one great quarterback after another? Right now, that recognition goes to the Big 12. The conference's QBs hold six of the top 11 spots in total offense. Texas Tech's Graham Harrell is second (391.8 yards per game), Missouri's Chase Daniel is fourth (371.5), Kansas' Todd Reesing is fifth (363.3), Texas' Colt McCoy is eighth (324), Bradford is 10th (316.5) and Kansas State's Josh Freeman is 11th (304.5).
Quick hits
Sign No. 1 underground has frozen over - Vanderbilt gets ranked. Sign No. 2? ESPN's College GameDay is broadcasting from Vandy's campus Saturday. . . . Looking for an upset special? How about No. 14 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin. The Badgers have beaten the Buckeyes the last two times they were ranked, and Wisconsin has won its last 16 home games. . . . Tennessee, off to a 1-3 start, has announced it will play both quarterbacks Jonathan Crompton and Nick Stephens against Northern Illinois as it tries to find an offensive leader. Vols fans probably wonder if they can call for coach Phil Fulmer's backup too. . . . Fulmer, speaking of which, holds the No. 1 hot seat according to coacheshotseat.com. The safest? LSU's Les Miles. BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall is two spots behind Miles, and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is five spots behind Mendenhall.
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* LYA WODRASKA can be reached at lwodraska@sltrib.com. To write a letter about this or any sports topic, send an e-mail to sportseditor@sltrib.com.
