Joel Klatt ratcheting up panic meter on Oklahoma after loss to Texas in Red River Rivalry

From the moment SEC play began, the offensive problems were evident for Oklahoma. Seth Litrell‘s unit struggles against Tennessee, eventually causing a quarterback change from Jackson Arnold to Michael Hawkins. Results were not much better against Auburn before maybe hitting rock bottom in a rivalry game against Texas on Saturday.

Now heading into the South Carolina matchup, Joel Klatt has turned up the panic meter on Oklahoma’s offense. Watching the Sooners back on the film, the assessment from the FOX analyst is not a pretty one.

“The panic meter should be ratcheted up,” Klatt said. “They are 125th in total offense. I told you when this team lost to Tennessee, I said ‘That’s not a Jackson Arnold problem.’ It was everywhere. They were awful on offense and it has not gotten better. When I watched them on film, it ain’t even close on the offensive side. Not even close. I know that sounds harsh but it’s true.”

Klatt admits the things Oklahoma is going through are far my Hawkins’ fault. Five of their top receivers did not play against Texas while the offensive line has not been good the entire season. Not having much of a run game only makes matters worse. Hawkins, Arnold, or maybe even Patrick Mahomes would struggle with what’s unfolding in Norman according to Klatt.

More concerning than anything is how deep in his tenure Venables is and the offense is still poor. Yes, Jeff Lebby left for Mississippi State this last offseason but Klatt is worried.

“Credit goes to Texas and their defense, certainly,” Klatt said. “They’re the No. 1 team in the country in my eyes. But man, Venables is in Year 3 and this is the offense he’s putting out there? Alarm bells, alarm bells.”

Klatt sees the need for a complete reset this offseason from Venables. Most likely with just his offensive stuff but finding a way to upgrade the talent around whoever winds up being the quarterback in 2025.

“I think Brent Venables has to completely redo the offensive side of the football,” Venables said. “Because it’s not working right now for OU, that’s off of the Red River Shootout.”