Some of the best "experience" the new guys will get will be in practice against their very talented teammates. For perhaps the first time ever, the Buffs will have a talented, complete schollie roster; only Mills is iffy in that regard, but he adds height to the practice equation and from many accounts, is getting better and better as player. Even the WO's are above average.
Nothing succeeds like competitive practices, so what you face in games seems easier. Always hark back to the days of yore, when the toughest team Bud Wilkinson's Sooner FB starters usually faced, was the OU second team.
I think Tad's bunch is now very close to that situation.