3. Jackson Arnold is an Upgrade at Quarterback
Dillon Gabriel was really good for the Oklahoma Sooners. In two seasons with the Sooners, Gabriel was one of the most prolific passers in school history, finishing No. 6 in passing yards at Oklahoma.
As good as he was, Gabriel was limited in his downfield passing ability. He was good at times, but often missed opportunities to cash in on deep throws to wide open receivers. But he was instrumental in Oklahoma’s 10-win season and an incredible leader during Oklahoma’s transition from Lincoln Riley to Brent Venables.
He’ll be remembered fondly, but that will not stop the Sooners faithful from champing at the bit to see Jackson Arnold at the helm for a full season.
Arnold, a former five-star prospect, Elite 11 winner, and Gatorade National Player of the Year recipient has all the tools to be an elite player for the Oklahoma Sooners. He has great arm strength, accuracy and mobility to keep the Sooners offense scoring at a high rate.
We’ve seen the ability on display in the Alamo Bowl and in the spring game. He showed off his big-time arm and mobility in both. Now it’s simply about getting the experience on a week-to-week basis to be prepared for the big-time matchups and environments he’ll face in the SEC.
Road trips to Auburn, Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU, in addition to the Red River Showdown, will be unlike anything Arnold has ever played in. But with four home games to start the season, he should have the offense humming before the Sooners hit the road to face the Auburn Tigers.
Arnold’s performance will not make or break the Oklahoma Sooners’ season because it’s a talented group with a lot of depth across the board, but for the Sooners to contend in the SEC and for a College Football Playoff berth, Arnold will have to be good. And with what I’ve seen in his limited playing time, the Oklahoma Sooners have a good one leading them into 2024.
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