Where Could Oklahoma's OL Most Use Some Help?

Oklahoma’s 2024 season is a wave that is starting to build with excitement for the Sooners. And though we can only go week by week, the Board Chat reflects just how much Oklahoma fans are starting to think about life in the SEC. This week we talk about how Oklahoma figures to match up with it’s future opponents as compared to it’s past. Could the Sooners be leaving the more well coached conference?

Beyond that question, if the Sooners could have help at any one offensive line position – where would help them most?

And among Oklahoma’s young stars, who are most likely to grab playing time this year?

This and a whole lot more in this week’s Board Chat.

BOARD CHAT – March 5, 2024

Could Oklahoma be Facing Lesser Coaching but Better Talent in the SEC?

That’s a really good question, let’s look at it…once we get past say the top 4 – as I think that would pretty clearly favor the SEC with names like Kirby Smart, Kalen DeBoer, and Brian Kelly. I’m going to take the rankings according to preseason SP+ and gauge how some of those matchups might look. Th

Missouri – Utah
Big 12 EDGE: Coaching
Texas A&M – KSU
Big 12 EDGE: Coaching
Tennessee – Arizona
Big 12 EDGE: N/A
Auburn – Oklahoma St.
Big 12 EDGE: Coaching
Florida – Iowa St.
Big 12 EDGE: Coaching
Kentucky – TCU
Big 12 EDGE: N/A
South Carolina – W. Va.
Big 12 EDGE: Coaching
Arkansas – Kansas
Big 12 EDGE: All
Miss. St. – Texas Tech
Big 12 EDGE: All

So, largely…yes, I think you’re right. The Big 12 has embraced becoming a developmental league and it is paying off for them. But the talent of the SEC just creates a monumental difference.

If OU Could Get Immediate Help on the OL, Where Should it Be?

First, the obvious (and almost always answer) of a tackle. If that allows you slide some other guys around perhaps you get better at two positions by Jacob Sexton or Spencer Brown moving to a guard spot and helping those spots solidify.

But my second thought and the one I think I might lean to a bit? Center. A veteran, standout center would do wonders for an offensive line that where it isn’t young, it’s unfamiliar with Oklahoma and Bill Bedenbaugh. Just a guy who could kind of pull everyone together and get them moving in the right, and same, direction.

I honestly think it’s the center but tackle wouldn’t be a wrong answer IMO.

Pick Em: Which Sooners Player Gets More Snaps?

Danny Okoye or Jayden Jackson

Jackson.

This may be one of the more fun ones but as I’ve said above, there is some buzz that Jackson is REALLY making an impression.

David Stone or Taylor Tatum

Stone.

I can see the argument for Tatum but I just think with the departure of Lacey OU has a need for a guy who can be a pass rusher inside and Stone has that kind of ability. I think that change may have moved him from a guy who may have doubled his snaps per game in 2024.

Zion Ragins or Davon Mitchell

Mitchell.

This is the easiest one of the bunch IMO. Ragins is talented but he’s SOOOOO tiny, he needs some time to develop physically. Hell, when we spoke in San Antonio a few months ago, he admitted he wanted to redshirt.

Samuel Omoshigo or Lewis Carter

Carter.

This is a guy that I’ve just always felt suited Brent Venables perfectly. His mindset, his playing style, and just his work to be ready…that’s Venables trademark stuff. I think they may design some stuff to get him out there in 2024.

Jacobe Johnson or Makari Vickers

Johnson.

Something tells me he is going to be a guy that you’re all drooling about this time next year. I remember when there was a lot of early buzz on him – and OU offered. And I saw his tape and it was like ‘yeah, he’s talented but he sure isn’t doing much on tape’. And then…his JR year happened and it was kind of like ‘oh, holy crap’. I admit I still had questions but his physical gifts were undeniable.