The Oklahoma Sooners offense has find a greater rhythm over the last few games as Joe Jon Finley has taken on a bigger role in the offense and as Jackson Arnold has been reinserted into the lineup.
Over his last three games, Arnold has exhibited a greater level of comfort at the helm for the Sooners than he did in his first four as the starting quarterback. In games against South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Maine, Arnold is averaging 209 passing yards, 59 rushing yards, and has six total touchdowns.
Over his first four starts, Arnold averaged just 134.5 passing yards per game and 41.25 rushing yards per game. He had nine total touchdowns but also threw three interceptions.
Since Finley was promoted to playcaller and Kevin Johns was elevated to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach after the loss to South Carolina, Arnold’s completion percentage has jumped to 71.2%. And as important, Arnold is limiting the turnovers.
He’s playing with a greater comfort level and the offense has been more efficient. And that’s something Arnold attributes to the promotion of Johns.
“The biggest thing was not playing carefree, but I had nothing else to lose,” Arnold said. “Just having that edge and playing like that has really let me see things better and just play more comfortable and more loose. And (quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns), since he got promoted, he’s been big about us being efficient as quarterbacks.”
Arnold mentioned when he met with the media that the message from Johns has been efficiency. Complete passes and keep the ball moving. And that’s shown up in a big way. Arnold’s been more content taking the dump-offs and underneath options in the passing game. Jovantae Barnes went for 57 receiving against Ole Miss as Arnold got the ball out quickly to his running back in the flat and let him work in space.
There’s still work to do and growth to occur, but Arnold has taken steps since he was benched against Tennessee. And with new voices in the offensive hierarchy providing greater comfort, Arnold’s proving capable of developing into the quarterback his five-star rating believed he could be.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.