The Oklahoma Sooners head into a crucial football matchup against Ole Miss today. The Sooners will be looking to right the ship after a series of offensive struggles that have cost them momentum and results.
Once known for high-powered offensive attacks, OU’s recent performances have fallen well short of expectations, leading to offensive coordinator Seth Littrell’s firing and a quarterback change that could define the remainder of their season. As they face a formidable Ole Miss team on the road, the Sooners will need to rediscover their identity if they hope to pull off an upset.
Oklahoma’s Offensive Struggles
At the heart of Oklahoma’s recent woes has been an offense that has struggled to gain any rhythm. The Sooners rank near the bottom of the SEC in total offensive output over the past few weeks. It’s a sharp decline from their early-season performances.
Their inability to sustain drives, coupled with a tendency to turn the ball over in critical moments, has left the team unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Red zone efficiency has been a major issue, with the Sooners frequently settling for field goals or coming away with no points at all.
The running game, once a staple of Oklahoma’s offense, has also been inconsistent. The combination of Tawee Walker and Jovantae Barnes has shown promise at times, but the Sooners have struggled to find balance without a reliable passing game to keep defenses honest. The offensive line has faced difficulties in both pass protection and run blocking, contributing to the overall stagnation.
The Firing of Seth Littrell
The offensive dysfunction reached a boiling point with the firing of Littrell. Once hailed as an innovative play-caller, Littrell’s schemes failed to produce results this season. His offense became predictable, often relying on deep passes or slow-developing plays that left quarterbacks vulnerable to pressure. Littrell’s departure signals a potential shift in philosophy, and Oklahoma Sooners football fans are hopeful that new ideas can reignite the team’s attack.
The Sooners will likely adopt a more simplified and aggressive approach, emphasizing quicker throws and a faster tempo to put defenses on their heels. This change could benefit the team’s quarterback situation, especially with the recent switch back to a more experienced signal-caller.
Michael Hawkins Jr. Benched, Jackson Arnold Reinstated
Freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. had been thrust into the starting role early in the season. However, he struggled to adapt to the speed and complexity of college defenses. His accuracy issues and decision-making under pressure were exposed in key games, leading to his benching after multiple lackluster performances. While Hawkins has potential, it became clear that he wasn’t ready to handle the offense’s demands at this point in his career.
In his place, Oklahoma has turned back to Jackson Arnold, the original starter. Arnold, a more seasoned player, brings a level of experience and composure that the offense desperately needs.
Although he faced his struggles earlier in the season, Arnold has shown flashes of brilliance. His ability to manage the game, make quick reads, and extend plays with his legs could be crucial against a tough Ole Miss defense.
Keys to an Upset
For Oklahoma to pull off the upset on the road, several factors must go in their favor.
Jackson Arnold Must Step Up
Arnold’s return to the starting role presents him with a golden opportunity to prove himself. He needs to make smart decisions with the football, avoid costly turnovers, and find a rhythm in the passing game. Utilizing short and intermediate routes, especially to his tight ends and slot receivers, can help the offense move the chains.
Establish the Run
Oklahoma must commit to establishing the run early in the game. Ole Miss has shown vulnerability in their run defense. If the Sooners can get Walker and Barnes going, it will take pressure off Arnold and open up play-action opportunities. A strong ground game will also allow the Oklahoma Sooners to control the clock and keep the Rebels’ high-powered offense off the football field.
Tempo and Play-Calling Adjustments
With Littrell out, there’s an opportunity for Oklahoma’s offense to shake things up. Expect the Sooners to move faster between plays and utilize quicker throws to neutralize Ole Miss’s pass rush. A more creative approach, including screens, jet sweeps, and misdirection, could catch the Rebels off guard.
Limit Ole Miss’s Explosive Plays
Defensively, Oklahoma must prevent Ole Miss from hitting on big plays. The Rebels’ offense, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, is known for its explosiveness. Oklahoma’s defense needs to play disciplined football, particularly in the secondary, and limit opportunities for Ole Miss to strike quickly.
Oklahoma’s offensive challenges, from quarterback uncertainty to play-calling issues, have plagued them throughout the season. However, with a new coordinator and the return of Jackson Arnold, there is a glimmer of hope for the Sooners to pull off an upset against Ole Miss. If they can establish the run, control the pace, and execute a more aggressive game plan, Oklahoma has a chance to make a statement on the road and turn their season around.
