Even without the distraction of Rhett Bomar’s departure, Oklahoma faces some major hurdles this season.

Its schedule is littered with potential road blocks, starting with Saturday’s season opener against Alabama-Birmingham.

“They’ve got good athletes when you look at their talent across the board,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “Very sound in what they do. It’s a challenge that we have to be ready for.”

The Blazers are coming off a 5-7 season. That may not sound like much, but so was TCU when it came to Norman and stunned OU to open last season.

This season’s schedule has a lot of similarities to the one OU faced in 2005. There are four non-conference foes and a major road test before the Big 12 slate begins.

September’s biggest test is Sept. 16 at Oregon.

The Sooners have faced the Ducks twice the last two seasons, winning at Owen Field in 2004 and scratching past the Ducks in last season’s Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

However, a win at Autzen Stadium could very well define the season. Oregon is ranked No. 21 in the Associated Press Top 25.

If the Sooners can wade their way through the non-conference slate unblemished, they’ll be a national championship contender.

“We’re always very aware of the strength of our schedule and if you do have BCS and national championship implications (it’s important) that you’re as strong as you can be,” OU coach Bob Stoops said.

As usual, the Sooners’ biggest test awaits at the Cotton Bowl. OU meets Texas in the 101st edition of the Red River Shootout. The winner of that game has won the Big 12 South the last seven years, and will likely remain in the national championship hunt.

It’s also the Sooners’ conference opener. After the date with the Longhorns, Iowa State comes to Owen Field Oct. 14 followed by Colorado Oct. 21.

Making things difficult, four of the last five games are on the road. OU travels to Missouri Oct. 28 and heads to Texas A&M Nov. 4.

The home schedule wraps Nov. 11 when Texas Tech invades Owen Field. The regular season concludes with games at Baylor Nov. 18 and against Oklahoma State Nov. 25.

The Big 12 championship is Dec. 2 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.