Oklahoma is off to a hot start this year. They have a Heisman candidate QB, a good receiving corps, and some phenomenal running backs. This group has led them to a 6-0 start, with a statement win over Texas today. This is the norm though, and it will take more than an explosive offense to make the Oklahoma Sooners National Champions.
The Sooners Offense Will Carry Them
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The Sooners are still a Big 12 team. For those who do not know, the Big 12 has not given a damn about defense for a while, only caring about offense. Oklahoma’s offense has been great, and the man behind it is Lincoln Riley. What he has done with Jalen Hurts is nothing short of Amazing. Jalen was known as a “run first QB” and he still is. Jalen has rushed for 499 yards and seven TDs this year. However, why Jalen could be a Heisman winner is his improvement in the passing game. Jalen is completing 75.2% of his passes for 1,523 yards to go along with 14 TDs and two INTs. Jalen’s been great, but his supporting cast has also been phenomenal.
The Rest of the Offense
Going into Saturday, CeeDee Lamb had 18 receptions for 439 yards and seven TDs. Simply put, this is the man the Sooners offense goes through. During the Red River shootout, CeeDee added 10 receptions for 171 yards and three TDs, including this pretty flea flicker from Jalen.
Another WR, Charleston Rambo, is a nice complement to Lamb, recording 14 catches for 383 yards and four TDs. With a Heisman contending QB, you expect the passing game to be solid. Oklahoma is not just an air raid offense, but also have a good ground game even without Hurts. Trey Sermon and Rhamondre Stevenson have combined for 664 rushing yards and nine TDs before the Red River Shootout. During the game, the Sooners rushed for 282 yards and a TD (courtesy of Jalen Hurts). This offense is as explosive as ever, but it hasn’t been enough before. Why is this year different?
The Rebirth of the Sooner Defense
Oklahoma’s defense has been atrocious the last few years, just like the rest of the Big 12. I swear, for the last few seasons, it has seemed like the Big 12 thought “defense” was one of George Carlin’s “Seven Words You Can’t Say on TV.” Well, Lincoln Riley and the Sooners decided football is easier with a competent defense. While I’m not comparing this defense to Bama in 2011 or Michigan in 1997, Oklahoma’s defense is good enough. Ranked 46th in total, they are currently giving up 20.2 PPG, and have forced six turnovers. Those numbers aren’t great by any stretch of the imagination, but the Sooners D can step up when needed. They held Sam Ehlinger to 210 yards and no TDs, while also sacking him nine times. Even while giving up 27 points, if the Sooner defense can play at this level, they could very well help make the Oklahoma Sooners National Champions.
What About the Rest of the Country?
None of this would matter if the other blue blood programs were playing complete football at a high level. They are not. Trevor Lawrence is struggling in Clemson, and not many are sold on their defense. Alabama has played nobody, and are a mystery. Justin Fields and Ohio State are playing out of their minds, but also haven’t really played anyone. Until all three of these teams play an actual competitor, Oklahoma has the best win, and maybe the best chance to be National Champions.
