How Oklahoma could achieve instant success in the SEC
Oklahoma makes its highly anticipated jump to the SEC this upcoming season with a schedule that features numerous exciting matchups against new conference opponents. But how will the Sooners fare as they move on from the Big 12?
Sooner Scoop‘s Georgia Stoia recently joined the On3 Roundtable and discussed what the biggest keys to success will be for Oklahoma if they want to make some noise quickly in a conference many regard as the most competitive across college football.
“I think you got to start in the trenches, that’s been a point of emphasis for Oklahoma, especially under Brent Venables,” Stoia said. “Kind of retooling that defensive line, going out and getting a guy like Damonic Williams, the transfer from TCU. He’s a guy that has had a really strong fall camp, somebody that they anticipate will start for them up front. You bring back a Da’Jon Terry and you then you bring in two freshmen in David Stone and Jayden Jackson. Two guys that were very highly recruited and those guys are expected to play this year on that defensive line.”
From veteran transfer portal additions, true freshmen who could make an impact, and everything in between, Oklahoma’s defensive line is as loaded as it’s ever been under Venables. With Stoia mentioning players like P.J. Adebawore, Ethan Downs, and Caiden Woullard as additional players to watch up front.
But on offense, the offensive line serves as an empty box that the Sooners will need to check in order to be successful in year one of the SEC.
“I think that that’s kind of the big question mark for Oklahoma entering this season, is what is that offensive line going to look like?” Stoia asked. “Everybody wants to talk about Jackson Arnold, and rightfully so. And I’m sure we’ll get into him and he’s got to play well for Oklahoma to be successful in the SEC this year. But it’s really that offensive line. Can they run the football when they need to? Can they protect Jackson Arnold?”
Oklahoma is replacing all five starters from last year’s offensive line, likely tasked with relying on some new transfer portal additions to start and produce for the Sooners offense. Not to mention staying healthy and available as well.
“They’re kind of banged up right there in fall camp right now, so need some of those guys to get healthy,” Stoia added. “Especially before conference play, that non conference schedule is not too difficult, so they can get through it. But I think that those are the two sides, on each side of the ball. It’s in the trenches. If Oklahoma’s going to go win nine or 10 games this year, it’s going to be because of the offensive and defensive line.”
It’s hard to find an SEC Champion in recent history that was not elite in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Which the Sooners will look to be this upcoming season in one of the most exciting football seasons to date in Norman.