Statistics are everything to some and nothing to others. However, Oklahoma has identified three it will be studying like a scientist this season.

Penalties, turnovers and big plays (plays from scrimmage that gain over 20 yards) are weighing heavily on the Sooners’ minds as the 2006 season nears. They see winning those three categories as essential.

There’s plenty of evidence to support the theory.

From 1999-2004, OU went 60-2 winning at least two of the categories. The record dipped significantly to 10-10 when only winning one or less.

“That’s been an emphasis on both sides of the ball,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “I know it’s accurate because I just saw it on the board before I came out here again.”

After last Saturday’s scrimmage, OU coach Bob Stoops cited the lack of penalties as a positive sign. He also liked the fact there were no fumbles.

Of course, Venables was bemoaning that fact.

“We need some more big hits and cause some fumbles,” he said.

Creating turnovers is the mantra of the Sooner defense. Stripping the football is a part of every drill and every play run in practice.

Last season, OU came up with 23 turnovers. It would like that number to rise dramatically this season.

The Sooners would also like to see last season’s turnover total of 24 take a huge dip. There were three interceptions last Saturday, but Wilson said rewards come with risks.

“There were three picks but none of them were forced,” Wilson said. “We didn’t have a fumble and our deal was to emphasize that.”

But big plays were few and far between though. Of 75 plays, only a handful went for more than 20 yards. That will have to change.”

“A big thing for this offense is making big plays,” Wilson added. “You can’t throw it deep, you have to complete those. We have to be better there.”

Last year, OU wasn’t.