Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Bob Stoops' announcement Monday night that his defensive line likely will be at full strength for Saturday's game against Texas could have huge ramifications for the Sooners.
Before the start of the season, the defensive front was supposed to be Oklahoma's biggest strength. Injuries to DeMarcus Granger and Frank Alexander left them depleted for most of the season.
Gerald McCoy has emerged as the Sooners' most consistent inside player after those injuries. McCoy sustained a toe injury against Baylor, but he should be back and ready for Texas.
Since then, the rest of the Oklahoma defense has really stepped up. Redshirt freshman linebacker Travis Lewis, a converted running back, has emerged as the Sooners' most productive defensive player this season. Middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds notched a perfect score against Baylor last week and cornerbacks Brian Jackson and Dominique Franks, both expected to be liabilities, have shown surprising success in their first season as starters.
The return of all of the defensive line help should only make the Sooners that much better prepared for the challenge of containing Colt McCoy and the Longhorns. No wonder Stoops was smiling when he provided his injury announcements today.
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
