The Oklahoma Sooners go on the road to face another really good team in the Ole Miss Rebels. After another quarterback change and a change in offensive play caller, the Sooners will face the challenge of a new voice directing the offense in a difficult road environment.
But Brent Venables made the move, hoping a new voice could provide a spark to an offense that has struggled. Oklahoma’s personnel isn’t as good as it needs to be on that side of the ball, and execution matters, but the Sooners have also struggled to put this team in a position to be successful.
Going on the road to face the No. 2 scoring team in the nation, Oklahoma will have to hit the ground running in Oxford.
More: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions for OU vs. Ole Miss
1. Improved Offensive Line Play
Oklahoma can’t afford another effort along the offensive line like they had a week ago against South Carolina. The Ole Miss Rebels are dynamic up front, led by Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen, Jared Ivey, and linebacker Suntarine Perkins. That group has combined for 15.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.
Jackson Arnold was under siege last week against South Carolina and it limited Oklahoma’s chances of creating more offense. If the Sooners offensive line has another performance like they did a week ago, it could be another long day for OU’s offense.
It may not be a great rushing day against a team allowing just 66 yards per game and 2 yards per carry in 2024, so the offensive line will have to have a better pass blocking day for OU to be able to create some offense.
2. Another Strong Defensive Effort
You hate to put a game completely on one side of the ball, but unfortunately, the Sooners need their defense to play near-perfect football. And that doesn’t mean keeping teams scoreless but playing sound, fundamental football for 60 minutes.
When teams have been able to score on OU, it’s either because the offense put them in a bad spot with a turnover or because they’ve tackled poorly.
Oklahoma’s defense played a really good game against South Carolina, despite the early 21-0 deficit. But for the Sooners to have a chance in this game, OU’s defense will have to play a strong game from start to finish against a really good offense.
3. Big Game from Jackson Arnold
Ole Miss can move the ball offensively. Ole Miss’ defense can stop the run. So, for better or worse, the Sooners will have to rely on Jackson Arnold and the passing game to make plays in this contest.
Arnold completed just 50% of his passes last week but threw for a season-high in yards. If he can have a more efficient day throwing the ball and hit a big play or two, that’ll give the Sooners a chance.
This game isn’t all on Arnold. He’s going to have to make some throws, but he also needs his pass catchers to have a better performance this week after six drops against South Carolina.
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