The Oklahoma football program suffered a tough 38-24 loss to the Arizona Wildcats last night, ending their season with a 10-3 record. The Sooners entered the Alamo Bowl down multiple players due to opt-outs and transfers, including quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who departed to play for the Oregon Ducks. However, Oklahoma overcame a quick 10-0 deficit, only to allow 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter en route to defeat. Many of Oklahoma’s star players spoke to the media postgame, sharing their thoughts on what was ultimately an uninspiring way to end the 2023 campaign.
Billy Bowman’s take:
“I feel like tonight, Oklahoma beat Oklahoma.”
— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) December 29, 2023
Oklahoma Football: Billy Bowman Jr., Jackson Arnold, Speak Performance Postgame
Star safety Billy Bowman Jr. did not mince words in his presser on Thursday night. When asked about the game’s final result, the 20-year-old said, “I feel like tonight, Oklahoma beat Oklahoma.”
The Sooners combined for six total turnovers, with freshman quarterback Jackson Arnold tossing three interceptions and losing a fumble. Oklahoma got hit with eight flags, tallying 76 penalty yards. OU dominated in yards, but turnovers and penalties destroyed any momentum from Brent Venable’s squad. Arnold also spoke to the media postgame and talked about the playcalling of the new offensive coordinator duo of Seth Littrell and Joe Jon Finley.
“I loved what Coach Littrell and Coach Finley did tonight… Those mistakes were on me. I’m gonna take the full blame for that. I’ve just got to be better.”
Arnold received his first career college start last night, going 26 of 45 for 361 yards and two scores against three picks. He also carried the ball 11 times for 38 yards and a fumble. Jackson continued to exhibit superstar potential, extending plays with his legs and making elite-level throws. However, poor decision-making killed his efficiency, highlighted by a deep ball-turned-pick with the safety over the top. Meanwhile, Littrell and Finley took over play-calling duties after former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby got poached to be the next head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The duo called plays for the first time together with Oklahoma football.
Danny Stutsman Backs Jackson Arnold
“He’s a tremendous player (Jackson Arnold)… Oklahoma has his back. Everybody in that locker room is with Jackson, which changes nothing,” said star linebacker Danny Stutsman after OU’s loss on Thursday night.
Stutsman was initially expected to head to the NFL draft but announced his return to the Oklahoma football program for the 2024 season. He will continue to lead a much improved Sooners defense after registering 104 tackles, 16 TFLs, and three sacks this year.
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