The Oklahoma Sooners are embarking on a new journey as they enter the SEC this fall. Ad nauseam, we’ve discussed the challenges that approach and the difficulty of this year’s schedule.
Regardless of the schedule, the Sooners are a team with high expectations, and national analysts recall that reality. Few programs have been as successful as the Sooners over the course of the sport’s history. College football analyst Joel Klatt shared on his show that he still has high expectations for the Oklahoma Sooners.
“This is a proud program, and my definition for success for Oklahoma this year is the College Football Playoff, and that’s pulling in the reins,” Klatt explained. “Because, again, there’s only one Oklahoma, and I believe that. That’s a proud program, and they’ve got a lot going for them this year with Brent Venables. They should be better on defense. I like their quarterback. He fits what they’ve got on the outside with their wide receivers. Oh, you should have a good year. They’ve got a tough schedule. I get it. You split those six games that I’ve talked about, go three and three, you’re nine and three, and you probably go to the College Football Playoff.”
"Oklahoma is Oklahoma! This is a premium program." @joelklatt looks at what's ahead for @OU_Football in its first year in the SEC🔥 pic.twitter.com/OzCrO5CMAf
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) August 21, 2024
To make the playoff, the Oklahoma Sooners would need to go at least 9-3. Klatt argues if they split games against Tennessee, Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri, Alabama, and LSU, they should be a playoff team. Though the schedule has been talked about a lot as a reason the Sooners could struggle, it also gives them a strong strength of schedule argument. But still, this is a team that will have a chance to win 10 games because it’s a good team.
The Oklahoma Sooners have questions, but few college football teams enter a season without some question marks. But the Sooners have a lot of answers, especially on the defensive side of the ball, with a very talented young quarterback, and a plethora of skill players with big-play potential.
If the Sooners offensive line comes together, they very well may compete for a playoff spot in 2024. While the schedule will be tough, Oklahoma will provide challenges to everyone on their schedule as well.
Brent Venables and the Sooners have been building for this and in short order, the Oklahoma Sooners will get the opportunity to prove what they’re capable of.
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.