Somehow, Oklahoma University’s football team not only survives, but thrives.

The Sooners went through a tough 2006 season after dismissing quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn from the team for breaking NCAA rules. A wide receiver, Paul Thompson was converted back to quarterback, running back Adrian Peterson missed most of the year with injury and a blown officiating call against Oregon in September was huge toward OU’s first loss.

Still, Oklahoma went on to win the Big 12.

“We fought our way through it,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “Everybody kept their focus on what they should, and that was the game in front of us.”

So how’s more adversity sound? The NCAA situation – and its appeals process – still looms over the program. In addition, Oklahoma is looking for a new quarterback and must now replace Peterson, a college superstar who’s now in the NFL.

Still, few doubt that Oklahoma can reload. As far as Peterson’s replacement goes, the Sooners already knew what life after Adrian was like after Peterson broke his collarbone and missed eight games.

Like seemingly everything around OU, it was great.

“We averaged more yards rushing per game without him than we did with him,” Stoops said.

¢Motivation?: Nebraska coach Bill Callahan seemed a little miffed that the regional media predicted Missouri to win the Big 12 North and not his Huskers.

“Personally, no, I don’t agree with it,” Callahan said. “But I love our football team, and I think they’re capable of doing some great things.”

¢Sign of times?: All four teams who spoke at Monday’s media day session – Kansas University, Nebraska, Baylor and Oklahoma – have not selected a starting quarterback for this season, with only about a month to go.

Nebraska seems to have the clearest choice, though, with Arizona State transfer Sam Keller in the fold.

Kansas has a battle between Kerry Meier and Todd Reesing; Oklahoma is sorting out a race featuring Joey Halzle, Sam Bradford and Keith Nichol. Baylor is deciding between Michael Machen and John David Weed.

Baylor coach Guy Morriss, for one, doesn’t seem to know what to think about his race.

“I think the quarterback situation,” he said, “is kind of clouded rather than clear.”

Join the club.

¢Quote of the day: “Which one of them cats scored a touchdown on me last year? I want the dude who scored a touchdown on me last year.” – Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib, on whom he most wants to defend when KU plays Missouri in November. Jared Perry scored the touchdown on Talib last year.