The No. 19 Oklahoma Sooners went through an offseason of some rather tumultuous change. Bob Stoops dropped co-offensive coordinators Jay Norvell and Josh Heupel for Eastern Carolina's Lincoln Riley, who will be bringing more of a pure Air-Raid type of offense. On defense, a pair of new assistants are hoping to revitalize a side of the ball that's been slowly falling into disrepair for a couple of years.
How to watch Akron vs. Oklahoma on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The new-look Sooners are ready to open the season with some #MACtion.
Will the change pay off? Nobody’s really sure.
What we do know, is that superstar tailback Samaje Perine is back after his 1,700-yard, 21 touchdown freshman campaign, and he's going to be joined by Joe Mixon, a much more-heralded recruit who was forced to sit out 2014 following an ugly legal incident.
At quarterback, Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield takes over for Trevor Knight. Mayfield was just a walk-on at Tech, but seems well versed in the air-it-out style. Plus, he has some pretty sweet moves.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN PPV
Online streaming: Not Available
Three big things to know
1. Ready to break through?
Bill Connelly called his shot on the Zips this offseason in terms of maybe bowl eligibility for the first time in a decade. They return 15 starters from a 5-7 squad.
2. Mystery!
Zips head coach Terry Bowden said he will announce a decision on his starting quarterback the day of the game. Kyle Pohl and Thomas Woodson have been competing for the position.
3. New Receivers
Air-Raid teams like to throw the ball a lot, so that means Oklahoma will need somebody to catch it. Watch for seniors Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal, along with JUCO transfer Dede Westbrook.
Further reading
Crimson and Cream Machine has all the OU info, while Underdog Dynasty has the scoop on Akron.
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