#1 for me is the changes in the coaching staff. I think it does wonders to get some new blood/ideas/energy into the program, and also serves notice to the rest of the coaches that Bob will replace you and get someone else if you aren't doing your job. I think that gives some motivation for everyone to step up and remind themselves that they need to reinvest themselves into taking the OU program to where it deserves. And while 8-5 and making a bowl game may be a really good year for some programs, it is FAR from what is acceptable at a place like OU.
#2 is the talent on offense. Of course OU needs to find a QB, but with so much talent at RB and WR I don't think you need a Heisman candidate at QB to put up alot of points. OU just needs a QB to take care of the ball, and get it to playmakers who can take care of it from there. OU has a new offensive coordinator, so it will be exciting to see what all he can do with the talent he has inherited. New coaches for the WRs will hopefully translate to the talent that is on the roster in that position to really have a breakout year. Having to replace most of the offensive line is a concern, but Bedenbaugh has done a great job since coming to OU, so I think that position will be okay.
#3 is the fact that last year turned out to be a complete disaster, and while I'm sure some kids come to OU with a certain expectation of "we win cuz we are OU", then I hope last year gave them a dose of reality that just wearing the OU uniform does not mean winning the Big XII and playing for national titles is a guarantee without the hard work to achieve it. Now I'm not saying I think the players didn't work hard. But I believe after having such a humbling experience like last season, that every player, and coach, would look down deep and find a new level to reach for to make sure it doesn't happen again. And play with a certain edge and hunger to make certain it won't happen again, and prove to everyone they are wearing an OU uniform because they are great players, and not the same team we saw against Clemson. Sometimes having experiences like last year can be a positive thing for the future.
