I’ve been pretty laid back about OU’s football season so far. I thought coming into this first SEC season for OU if they could go 8-4 with what I think is one of the four toughest schedules in the country that would be a fairly solid season all things considered.
So far the Sooners are a shaky 2-0 after home wins versus Temple and Houston. In reality, the Sooners were very fortunate they weren’t upset in Game 2 by the Cougars. In fact…I would say they stole a game they probably should not have won.
The offense in a word was horrible and could not run the ball, could not get out of third and long situations, and for the second week could not with any consistency convert third downs and stay on the field.
Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell’s play calling was bad, the Sooners couldn’t run the ball, and without Nic Anderson and Jahil Faruque it appeared Jackson Arnold couldn’t locate open receivers down field.
With the exception of the Maine game…the Sooners do not have an easy game remaining this season.
Tulane is the opponent this Saturday and the Green Wave are a very respectable football team.
Here’s one of the good things about being a Stage 4 cancer survivor still on the journey…your perspective becomes markedly different in regards to whether OU wins or loses on any given Saturday.
Obviously, I like winning more than losing, but I was prepared for struggles this season so for the rest of this season I just want to see weekly incremental improvement which will give he Sooners a chance to compete in every game ….. and maybe win seven,eight, or nine of those games.
And for that to happen…Seth Littrell, Jackson Arnold, the offensive line, the running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers have to play much better on every play. Figure out your own offensive identity and start to play with some cohesive confidence.
The defense has been solid. The punting game and kicking game have been pretty good.
Uncharacteristically…. the issue in Norman so far this season has been on the offensive side of the football field, not the defensive side.
Play call better and execute better. Do the things your players have the talent to do and for me that mean both Jackson Arnold and perhaps Michael Hawkins will have to run the ball quite a bit this season to help their offensive line create space and running lanes.
Let’s go.
Boomer!
Mike J