Oklahoma: The Sooners' lone hiccup in 2015's regular season was a surprising 24-17 loss to Texas (Longhorns were more than two-TD underdog) in the 110th edition of the Red River Showdown. Oklahoma rebounded strongly after that loss with seven straight wins (6-1 ATS), before losing to Clemson in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs. The Sooners open the 2016 season ranked No. 3 in the preseason AP poll. OU is led by Heisman-hopeful Baker Mayfield. The now junior QB threw for 3700 yards last year (36 TDs and just seven INTs), as Oklahoma averaged 43.5 PPG. Samaje Perine (1,349 rushing yards with a Big-12 high 16 rushing TDs) and Joe Mixon (753 rushing yards / 11 total TDs) are also both back, giving the Sooners a potent and balanced attack.

Houston: Tom Herman's first year at Houston as head coach was an unqualified success, with Houston winning the AAC title game and beating FSU 38-24 in the Peach Bowl to finish 13-1 off back-to-back 8-5 seasons (ranked No. 8 in the final AP poll). A balanced offense averaged 40.4 PPG (236 rush / 248 pass) led by dual-threat QB Ward (21 rush TDs / 17 passing TDs) and he returns. The defense has allowed 21.8, 20.6 and 20.7 PPG each of the last three seasons, so it looks as if that side of the ball has settled in.


The pick: Houston was one of four teams to play four ranked opponents and go unbeaten in 2015 but this Oklahoma team is loaded. Meanwhile, the Cougars return just 11 starters from last year. Yes, this game is at NRG Stadium (home of the NFL's Houston Texans), but the Sooners know their season could get derailed fast with a loss in this one. The last time Oklahoma faced a ranked opponent in the season opener and the then third-ranked Sooners lost 14-13 to No. 20 BYU in 2009. Forewarned is forearmed. The Sooners are a 10* play.