Despite depth and talent, Stoops playing down hype

THE WASHINGTON POST
Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops has compiled the best four-year start (43-9) of any coach in NCAA Division I-A history. And he's expected to improve that gaudy record this season with a Sooners squad that's favored to claim not only the Big 12 Conference title, but also, in the minds of many, the national championship.
Stoops, a Cardinal Mooney graduate, plays down the hype, saying no one deserves a No. 1 ranking before the first snap is taken. "It doesn't matter much," he said. "And I don't much care."
Oklahoma returns from a 12-2 season that was capped by a 34-14 Rose Bowl victory over Washington State with enviable depth, and indications are that the timing is right for a return to championship form.
The good news starts with the return of quarterback Jason White, who missed the last 12 games of 2002 with a knee injury. The Sooners are also one of the more balanced teams in the country, with a tough defense that can get the ball back if the offense stumbles. Leading the unit is linebacker Teddy Lehman, a first-team all-American.
But the season, and arguably the national title, hinge on whether the injury-prone White can hold up. "I'm not much of a worry guy," Stoops said, deflecting questions about his starting quarterback. "He'll be fine."
The squad most likely to foil Oklahoma's title shot is Kansas State. Coach Bill Snyder has had five 11-win seasons in the last six years. And with seasoned quarterback Ell Roberson back, the Wildcats don't see why their first 12-win campaign is out of reach.
They will no doubt feel the loss of Terence Newman, the Jim Thorpe Award winner. "Everybody's eyes will be on us and how we survive through that," senior safety Rashad Washington said.
But the Wildcats' offense, which averaged 44.8 points per game last year, ought to be a force with the return of Roberson and junior running back Darren Sproles.
Few have met the Texas-sized expectations that come with quarterbacking the Longhorns. Now Chance Mock tries his hand, lucky to be surrounded by one of the best receiving corps in college football. It's led by Roy Williams (27 career touchdowns), who spurned the chance to turn pro in hopes of honing an already impressive game. Running back Cedric Benson rounds out the offensive attack.
"I'm playing with some of the best players in college football," Williams said of his decision to return for his senior year. "I think I'm not quite ready for the NFL. And right now, I just want to try to be the best player in college football."