Paul Finebaum believes Oklahoma is 'not quite at the level of where that program has been'

Paul Finebaum thinks it could take some time before Oklahoma becomes fully adjusted to the level of play in the SEC. The Sooners are coming from the Big 12, where they won six straight conference titles from 2015-20.

However, with just a 16-10 record over the past two seasons, OU might find it difficult to stack up against some of the SEC’s premier programs in Finebaum’s opinion. The Sooners did make strides to end up 10-3 in the second season for Brent Venables, however.

“I just think it’s the transitional period,” Finebaum explained to On3’s JD PicKell. “I don’t completely buy, well, they’ve been playing the Big 12. But Texas did go to Alabama last year. I think that ended their debate. I think Oklahoma is not quite at the level of where that program has been with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray and all those guys, but I don’t think they’re far from it either.”

Oklahoma should have its best defense in recent years after finishing 49th in points allowed per game in 2023. The Sooners return a number of key contributors including safety Billy Bowman and linebacker Danny Stutsman, who should have them prepared for the physical nature of the SEC.

The main question remains on offense where OU is set to start a redshirt freshman at quarterback in Jackson Arnold. The former five-star brings plenty of promise but some growing pains are to be expected against some of the defensive talent he will face.

Six of the Sooners’ eight SEC games come against teams that won at least 10 games this past season. If Oklahoma can manage to go at least 3-3 in those contests, it would be a successful year by all accounts.

“The problem is, there’s a fine line,” Finebaum continued. “There’s three or four games that will tip the scales. Now, as we have said ad nauseum, if you’re Tennessee or LSU or Ole Miss or Missouri, you’re in that pack where you have to turn a game or you’re not gonna make the playoffs. So I think it’s exciting from that standpoint. But it’s still Georgia up here and Texas hanging around.”

Ultimately, Oklahoma enters the SEC as somewhat of a mystery with potential to surprise a few people, including Finebaum, if things play out the right way. The Sooners will kick off conference play on Sept. 21 at home against Tennessee.