In their 3-0 run through the nonconference portion of their schedule, the Oklahoma Sooners outscored their opponents 167 to 28. They look like a much-improved team and a team on a mission.
Dillon Gabriel has been impressive to start the season, completing 82% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and just one interception. But what has Oklahoma hopeful they can make a run in 2023 is the improvement of their defense.
And ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit has taken notice of that improvement as well.
On ESPN College Game Day when talking about the Oklahoma Sooners, Herbie said, “I think the great story has been the improvement of the defense. Last year they looked like they were learning a new scheme, weren’t playing fast. Now, much more comfortable in the scheme.”
“Emory Jones is going to have to run the football,” Herbstreit said. “If Cincinnati’s going to hang around, it’s going to be QB run, set up some opportunities to maybe get some one one-on-one chances and make some big plays.”
Oklahoma has shown GREAT improvement on defense #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/ed9iyPF8PH
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 23, 2023
The Oklahoma Sooners defense has looked improved this season and the numbers bear that out. They’ve been a better third-down defense and have looked really good against the run. Though SMU and Tulsa were able to make some plays through the air, neither team could sustain whatever offensive success they did find.
The Cincinnati Bearcats pose a significant threat because of their rushing attack. If the Sooners can mitigate that threat, it’ll be a big step in proving this is a significantly improved defense.
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