ESPN’s Bill Connelly has released his initial SP+ ratings* for the 2021 college football season, and Oklahoma fans will be happy to see where the Sooners stand.
*Editors Note: Link to story requires ESPN plus subscription
After finishing 2020 as hot as anyone and returning much of their meaningful production, the Sooners rank third in Connelly’s initial projections. This comes as little surprise when you consider the three factors that make up the preseason ratings. Those factors include returning production, recent recruiting, and recent history.
Oklahoma has excelled at all three. Add the best returning quarterback in the nation on top of that and you get a bonafide national title contender. It may also be worth noting that each of the other powerhouse schools (Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State) will be losing a longtime starting quarterback.
Sooners offense ranks first in the nation according to Connelly, which may be a bit surprising after a slightly disappointing offensive performance in 2020. Connelly’s model is clearly weighing the past few seasons as well.
The defense ranks 16th, which is also a bit surprising given how well the unit played to close the season last year. The loss of defensive end Ronnie Perkins to the draft certainly plays a factor.
All things considered, Oklahoma fans have been trying their best to temper the already-high expectations for 2021. From an empirical approach, Connelly seems to affirm that those expectations are warranted.
| Category | Rating | Offense | Defense |
| Oklahoma | 28.0 (3rd) | 46.6 (1st) | 18.6 (16th) |
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