OU in the SEC preview: No Saban, but excitement absolutely remains with Alabama matchup
The initial OU season in the Southeastern Conference is here. Are the Sooners ready for the SEC? Is the SEC ready for OU?
Football is just around the corner, and it’s time to see what head coach Brent Venables can do in year No. 3 in Norman.
But who are the opponents? SoonerScoop caught up with a beat writer at each of the eight SEC opponents for the 2024 season.
The series continues with BamaOnline’s Charlie Potter.
Alabama at OU – Nov. 23
When this was announced, OU fans were pumped about Nick Saban coming to Norman. Well, obviously, that isn’t going to happen. At least Saban won’t be coaching the Crimson Tide.
Still, Bama sets the standard when it comes to the SEC. The talent is still there, and DeBoer is no slouch in the coaching department.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe will enter the season as one of the Heisman favorites. If ever there was a game where OU wanted to let the SEC know who this program is, it’s this one.
From the pregame to the noise to the on-field product, it’s a Saturday that could be talked about for a long, long time.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer at SEC media days
“They understand that there was a gap that needed to be closed early on, and I say that because anytime you institute and you’re incorporating new strategies, whether it’s offensively, defensively, special teams, along with just getting to know and building new relationships, there’s a gap that you have to close because the programs that are continuing to hit the ground running, continuing to kind of add to what they’ve done in the past because of their familiarity, they’re in a place, and now I think we’ve closed that gap, and now the whole thing is focusing on separating ourselves.
“This summer just the focus, the commitment. I think if you asked our guys what they appreciate about each other right now, they come in with a competitive mindset every single day. I can see it. They have high goals and aspirations, but the actions support those goals that they each have.”
