After a thrilling comeback victory against Auburn, Oklahoma football faces significant concerns as they look ahead to a challenging schedule featuring five ranked opponents. Despite the excitement of their recent win, it highlighted several areas that need improvement if the Sooners hope to maintain their momentum.
First and foremost, the offense has struggled to find consistency. Oklahoma’s quarterback situation has been a major topic of discussion this season. Initially, Jackson Arnold was anticipated to lead the charge, but after a shaky performance, Brent Venables made the surprising decision to switch to Michael Hawkins Jr. While Hawkins Jr. showcased his potential with impressive plays, including leading the team in rushing against Auburn, he has not yet fully meshed with the existing offensive weapons. The Sooners need a more balanced attack, as relying on a single player to carry the offense can be detrimental, especially against tougher competition.
In addition to the quarterback situation, the lack of depth at key skill positions has been a persistent issue. The wide receivers have not consistently made plays, and the running game has struggled to establish a rhythm. This lack of reliable options limits Hawkins Jr.’s ability to spread the ball and keeps defenses focused on shutting down a one-dimensional attack. For Oklahoma to compete with ranked teams, they must develop a more versatile offense that can keep defenses guessing.
Defensively, while the Sooners have shown flashes of brilliance, their ability to close out games remains a concern. Against Auburn, they allowed a late surge that nearly cost them the game. As they face more formidable offenses in the coming weeks, Oklahoma will need to tighten their defensive schemes and improve their ability to maintain leads late in games. Consistency in tackling and coverage will be essential to prevent giving up big plays.
Furthermore, the coaching staff must ensure that the team remains mentally sharp. In high-pressure situations, composure and execution become crucial, especially as the stakes rise against ranked opponents. Oklahoma’s performance in crucial moments will determine their ability to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Overall, while the comeback against Auburn was a promising sign, the Sooners must address their offensive struggles and defensive inconsistencies to succeed against a tough remaining schedule. With five ranked teams ahead, every game will be critical, and the time to improve is now.
