The Oklahoma football team will head into next weekend’s home game against the Tulane Green Wave with an undefeated record and a solid position in the AP Poll Top 25. The Sooners have dominated their opponents, outscoring them 67-15 in their first two matchups, thanks in large part to the strong defense led by Zac Alley and Brent Venables. However, the offense has experienced inconsistencies, with quarterback Jackson Arnold and the team struggling against what should be lesser opponents.
Last Saturday marked a disappointing performance for Oklahoma’s offense, despite it being just Week 2. They faced three sacks, committed two fumbles, and managed only 249 yards in a narrow 16-12 victory over the Houston Cougars. Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell is likely working on refining the playbook, while former head coach Bob Stoops has shared his thoughts on the team’s current offensive situation.
In an interview with The REF (Norman/OKC: 1400 AM), national championship-winning head coach Bob Stoops spoke on Oklahoma football’s offensive miscues from last Saturday’s 16-12 win:
Not to make excuses, of course, you know the injuries at receiver and through the offensive line haven’t helped, but we’ve got to be more productive than that overall. There’s no way around it. We’ve just got to execute better, play better, you know, play design, whatever it is. Otherwise, it is going to be a long year.
Oklahoma football’s offense has faced injury challenges early in the 2024 season, with pass-catchers Nic Anderson, Jalil Farooq, and Jayden Gibson either lost for the season or unavailable in last Saturday’s tight win against Houston. However, Stoops emphasized the need for the Sooners to achieve greater consistency on offense, rather than using the depleted receiving corps as an excuse.
Following an inconsistent season opener against the Temple Owls, Oklahoma managed only 249 total yards last weekend. Quarterback Jackson Arnold completed 19 of 32 passes for 174 yards, recording two touchdowns but also throwing an interception. The former five-star recruit has struggled to effectively push the ball downfield and make significant plays. The running backs’ performance was particularly worrisome, with Gavin Sawchuk, Taylor Tatum, and Jovantae Barnes combining for just 50 rushing yards on 17 carries. After a strong start in the season opener where Tatum rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown on four carries, he had only one touch in the game against Houston.
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