The Oklahoma Sooners will look to improve on their 4-4 record when they host the Maine Black Bears this weekend. OU has lost three straight games, but this week’s FCS opponent should provide a breather before a daunting final month of the regular season.
Oklahoma is still facing injury issues at key positions like wide receiver and offensive line, and an opponent like this one is a good opportunity to get some younger players in the action and see how they fare.
With the struggles of the Sooners offense this season, virtually nothing is certain. But if Oklahoma is able to get a big lead, Saturday might be a time to see some faces that haven’t been on the field much in 2024.
Here are three freshmen to watch for this week, as the Sooners take on the Black Bears.
1. Isaiah Autry-Dent, OL
Offensive lineman [autotag]Isaiah Autry-Dent[/autotag] is a guy that head coach Brent Venables has said will be “brought up” from the scout team this week. It’s an exciting opportunity for a young, talented prospect.
Oklahoma is facing injuries to offensive tackles Jake Taylor and Jacob Sexton, forcing even more shuffling from a unit that’s started seven different combinations in eight games. Taylor and Sexton aren’t the only players that are banged up, so this game presents a good opportunity for a player like Autry-Dent to show what he’s got.
2. Michael Boganowski, DB
Defensive back [autotag]Michael Boganowski[/autotag] has been more of a special teams piece for the Oklahoma Sooners but has the ability to be a difference maker for the Sooners defense. He only saw four snaps against Ole Miss, according to Pro Football Focus, but as the Sooners continue to play around with some three-safety looks, he could see the field a lot this week.
Boganowski is part of a very talented and diverse group of true freshmen defensive backs that Oklahoma has at their disposal. He’s a thumper over the middle of the field. With more experience, he’ll become a dynamic part of the Sooners defense.
3. Jacob Jordan, WR
Two weeks ago, nobody thought wide receiver [autotag]Jacob Jordan[/autotag] would even see much of the field. Now, he’s arguably the top target in OU’s passing game, leading the wide receivers in catches and yards the last two weeks. He has 12 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown in just two games.
Jordan isn’t going to be confused for the most athletic guy on the field. But he catches the ball when it’s thrown his way, and he seems to get open a lot.
This week against Maine is a good opportunity for him to get a lot of snaps and continue to develop his chemistry with quarterback Jackson Arnold. In short order, the true freshman walk-on has become a reliable part of the Oklahoma Sooners offense.
The Sooners and the Black Bears will get going at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+ this Saturday, as OU looks to avoid a fourth-straight loss at get back over .500 on the 2024 season.