Oklahoma is getting ready to join the SEC and after years of digs at Big 12 programs, Head Coach Brett Venables has his team ready to answer their critics and make a serious run at the conference title. The Big 12 conference was always viewed by fans of SEC schools as a league that consisted of Oklahoma and Texas, and then everybody else. Given the fact that the Big 12 had not done well in the BCS playoffs, it was hard to argue with that take. But after a solid 10-3 season, Coach Brett Venables has turned the Sooners into a definite threat.
Venables Turned Oklahoma Around Quickly
It is hard to overstate what a shock it was when Lincoln Riley left Norman for the bright lights of Los Angeles after taking the helm as USC. That gut-punch was followed by their star quarterback Caleb Williams along with his top target, wide receiver Mario Williams, joining Riley and the Trojans. The timing could not have been worse as Oklahoma was preparing for the post season and recruiting was in full swing. Needless to say, Riley went from being one of the most beloved personalities in Oklahoma to a villain in lighting speed.
Soon afterwards, Venables was grabbed from Clemson, where he had earned a stellar reputation as their defensive coordinator. His first order of business was to stop the bleeding, as he made efforts to not only build a staff but prevent more players from hitting the transfer portal. After a trying first season, Venables brought the Sooners back to prominence in 2023 with a 10-3 season.
What Makes This OU Team Different
For many years Oklahoma was known primarily for its offense. Lincoln Riley created a scoring juggernaut behind Heisman winning quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and later Caleb Williams, who after leaving OU would grab his award while at USC. But as much as his teams focused on offense, they seemed to completely neglect their defense. The result would be Oklahoma running the table in the Big 12, only to get to the BCS playoffs and get trounced by more balanced teams.
However, Venables approach is different than his predecessor, as his background led to marked improvements in their rush defense moving up nearly 20 spots in the rankings to 31st best in the nation last season. In addition, he made efforts to shore up the pass defense by bringing in 4-star defensive back recruit Jacobe Johnson and four-star safety Peyton Bowen. They will also increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks with highly touted edge rusher P.J. Adebawore. Venables was not afraid to venture into the transfer portal either, as he went in hard on the defense with five of eight key acquisitions being on that side of the ball.
A Balanced Approach Makes them Dangerous
However, as impressive as their improvement was on defense, Oklahoma maintained the offensive prowess they have become known for. In 2023, Oklahoma was ranked third in the nation in total offense, and as ESPN stat trackers indicates, showcased one of the most prolific passing attacks in the game, averaging 324 passing per contest and a very respectable 182 yards of rushing average. This means that the Sooners will have one of the most balanced teams in the SEC conference, making them a particularly tough opponent.
The Jackson Arnold Era Has Begun
It was not supposed to be this year, but when All-American Dillon Gabriel left OU to join the Oregon Ducks, the highly touted Sophomore Jackson Arnold was moved into the starting role. The former Gatorade National Player of the Year saw limited action in 2023, but was very impressive, completing 75% of his passes and leading the Sooners to a victory over BYU after Gabriel was forced to leave the game with an injury.
Perhaps no starting quarterback debut in the nation has garnered the attention of Arnold, and the SEC should serve as the perfect stage for to make his mark as the Sooner’s new leader. Expectations are so high that even with Arnold’s limited experience, he is still being mentioned on Hesiman watch boards according to Alec Musa of Grid Iron Heroics.
A Favorable Schedule Could Put Oklahoma in Driver’s Seat
The first half of OU’s schedule is very favorable, as Tennessee is the only ranked team in their opening six contests. This should allow Oklahoma to keep injuries down early on by not having to risk any fourth quarter heroics. However, the second half is where the true test will come with games against Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Ole Miss in Oxford, and Missouri on the Tigers home field. That will be followed by closing contests against Alabama at home, and then a very tough LSU in Baton Rouge.