With two top-notch backs in Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine, there was virtually no way that this corps could get anything less than a passing grade for the season. Things could've gone awry with Mixon and Perine splitting the reps, but the Sooner offense ran smoothly no matter who was in the backfield. In a departure from OU's traditional scheme, offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley also frequently used the pair in backfield at the same time. The playcalling paid off and gave the Sooners a unique edge. Mixon emerged as the dynamic back with 2,331 all-purpose yards, while Perine often took a backseat to Mixon's antics and highlights — especially during his three-game absence due to injury. But in the end, Perine still topped Billy Sims' record and both played big factors in helping the Sooners to another Big 12 championship.

Grade: A

OFFENSIVE LINE

It would've been hard to imagine the line getting a grade like this after the rough start in non-conference play. But when Bobby Evans, Ben Powers and Erick Wren moved to the lineup and Dru Samia shifted inside to guard, the Sooners' protection got much better. Orlando Brown, the only player who didn't at least move from the opening lineup, was sensational all year despite his issues with penalties. Even better for the Sooners, all return next season with Brown electing to wait to enter the NFL Draft and Wren gaining an additional season of eligibility.