Despite the five consecutive losses Oklahoma is riding into its matchup with Iowa State this weekend, the Sooners are a talented ballclub led by a stifling defense.

That “D,” ranked seventh in the nation, has given up only an average of 270.4 yards per contest, dividing the yardage nearly equally among the run and pass.

Led by imposing senior Kelly Gregg, the Sooner defensive line has been very effective at stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback most of the season. Tackle Jeremy Wilson and ends Darryl Bright and Corey Callens bring depth and experience to the Oklahoma front four.

At linebacker, the Sooners feature Brandon Moore and Armand Spence at the middle and strongside positions and Dale Allen on the strongside. All have performed adequately so far this season.

Led by a quartet of returning starters, the Oklahoma secondary may be the team’s strength so far, holding opposing offenses to under 135 passing yards per game. Strong safety Gana Joseph, the unit’s leader and hardest hitter, is performing better than his 87-tackle, two-interception 1997 season. Free safety Terry White and corners Corey Ivy and Mike Woods have also stepped in and gotten the job done.

On offense, despite unimpressive overall statistics, the Sooners have the potential to be explosive with talented tailback De’Mond Parker.

So far, Parker has racked up 741 yards, an average of 5.6 yards per carry. Besides subpar performances at Texas Christian and Missouri, Parker has excelled, compiling over 100 yards against Texas, North Texas, Colorado and California. He also managed 220 yards in last weekend’s loss to Oklahoma State in Stillwater.

Parker’s supporting cast has also been successful, making the Sooners the 24th-ranked rushing offense in the nation while leading them to a 199.9 yard-per-game average.

Unfortunately for Oklahoma, much of that production has come from the quarterback position — a position that’s suffered a number of debilitating injuries in recent weeks.

Oklahoma is now on its fourth quarterback, Jake Sills, a freshman out of Garden City, Kan. with only 12 pass attempts under his belt. The Sooner passing game struggled even when it was healthy, averaging under 120 yards per game. Sills brings solid arm strength and great confidence to the team, along with the obvious inexperience.

The Sooner receiving corps has been balanced, but generally unproductive. Six players have at or near 100 receiving yards, but no one has over 150. Receivers Jarrail Jackson and Gerald Williams and tight end Jason Freeman have been the biggest contributors, accounting for 21 catches and 342 yards.

The offensive line has also been largely inconsistent, providing adequate running room and protection for their quarterback in one game and collapsing in the next.

Anchored by 6-foot-6, 322-pound sophomore tackle Scott Kempenich, the line averages only 287 pounds. Tackle Stockar McDougle, center Matt O’Neal and guards Adam Carpenter and Tim Macias flesh out the starting five, but none come close to Kempenich in terms of ability, intensity or size.

On special teams, the Sooners are about average. Kicker Matt Reeves is seven-for-eight so far in field-goal attempts, and punter Jeff Ferguson is ranked 38th in the nation with a 41.94 yard average.

Jarrail Jackson has been more than adequate so far as a return man, averaging over 12 yards per punt return.

The Sooners are a mediocre team with some big-play potential on both sides of the ball, but little consistency. Their defense should continue to give opposing offenses fits, but their offense will have to get on track for the team to win any more games.