KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson has a subtle but stern message for all those Texas fans still celebrating the national title.

"Congratulations to Texas," he said. "We're going to see if we can change things this year."

There was confidence in OU coach Bob Stoops' voice, too. "We have a lot to prove," he said.

Judging from Big 12 media days, the Sooners believe they are about to embark on a special season. They thought that last July, too. An 8-4 record knocked OU off its Big 12 perch, but Stoops and his players said they learned from last year and feel bullish about 2006.

"We do have something to prove," linebacker Rufus Alexander said Wednesday at the Marriott Country Club Plaza. "We have to show why we're the University of Oklahoma and why we expect greatness."

Last season's 2-3 start sent the Sooners spiraling to their worst record since 1999. But OU rebounded to win six of its final seven games, including a 17-14 decision over No. 6 Oregon in the Holiday Bowl. Those wins helped quarterback Rhett Bomar gain experience, young receivers find their groove and the defense develop an identity.

OU has just nine seniors on scholarship this season, Stoops said. It's a young squad, and there are still some questionable areas – offensive line, most notably. Tackle Chris Messner is the Sooners' only returning starter.

That doesn't dampen Peterson's outlook, though. The junior from Palestine, Texas, said he hopes to rush for 2,200 yards and have 500 receiving yards. Peterson needs just 1,086 rushing yards to break OU's all-time record held by Billy Sims (4,118).

"I really feel like we've got the potential," Peterson said. "It's all how we handle it. Are we going to put it together, or will guys slip off and listen to the hype?

"There are a lot of things that can affect a team. But I'm hoping they'll stay focused. And with all the recruits they've got coming in, I'm just glad I'm on their team."

Peterson's offensive goals could come to fruition with new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson calling the plays. Wilson is an admitted gambler. He'll take play-calling risks previous coordinator Chuck Long wouldn't.

FILE 2005/Staff photo

Individually, Adrian Peterson has his sights on 2,200 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards. The junior also said that, collectively, there's no limit to how far the Sooners can go.

But Peterson has yet to play an entire season without getting injured. He had a separated shoulder as a freshman and ankle problems as a sophomore.

OU's defense has a strong nucleus with Alexander and the return of ends C.J. Ah You, Calvin Thibodeaux and Larry Birdine (injured in 2005). Coaches moved Reggie Smith from safety to corner in hopes of putting him in position to make more plays.

"We'll be more disciplined and physical," Stoops said of the defense. "We've got a chance to be really good."

The 1999 season was OU's springboard to the 2000 national championship. Could the second half of the 2005 season lead to the same thing in 2006?

"It could be really special," Alexander said.

E-mail brdavis@dallasnews.com