Oklahoma vs. Arkansas State
Oklahoma
2023 Results: 10-3, 7-2 BIG 12
2024 Projection: 6-6, 2-6 SEC
Overview:
If the once king of the Big 12 Sooners wanst to go bowling in 2024, they better not lose a non-conference game and former five-star recruit Jackson Arnold better live up to his billing. He was erratic filling in for Dillon Gabriel last season but did show flashes of the player fans were expecting. Brent Venables is a defense-first coach and this should be the best squad on that side of the ball he has fielded in his short tenure. This is a good football team, but I’m not sure they are ready to excel in the SEC just yet.
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- Oklahoma @ Tulsa
Offense:
Arnold is really the key piece in how far Oklahoma can go this season. They need him to be elite to navigate the schedule. Seth Litrell takes over play-calling duties after Jeff Lebby’s departure to Mississippi State. They have some standout receivers in Jalil Farooq, Nic Anderson, and Andrel Anthony, but need to find a bellcow at running back and have to retool the entire offensive line.
Defense:
The defense is in the opposite position. Safety Billy Bowman Jr. And linebacker Danny Stutsman return, providing fierce competitors that understand the inner workings of Venables’ defense. These two, along with a host of returning starters should lead a defense that will allow the offense to work through their growing pains.
Special Teams:
Farooq will be one of the best returners in the country, while the kicking game is in the capable feet of Zach Schmit and Luke Elzinga.
Final Thoughts:
The defense should be good enough to keep the Sooners in games, but the offense will have to find its way by a week four matchup with Tennessee. Even great defenses wear down if they are on the field too long and Oklahoma’s success will depend on the offense doing just that. If Arnold and the offense find their mojo, my prediction for the Sooners’ final record could be way off.
