USA TODAY Sports’ bowl projections see Oklahoma take on Alabama in the CFP

Oklahoma sees itself back in the College Football Playoff in the latest USA TODAY Sports bowl projections for 2022.

The closer we get to the actual games being played, it seems the national media is starting to believe Oklahoma could be one of the last four teams standing when it’s time to decide the College Football Playoff participants.

USA TODAY Sports’ latest bowl projections were released this week ahead of the first full week of college football, and they list the Sooners in the four-team playoff.

The Sooners and Ohio State Buckeyes replace the Michigan Wolverines and Cincinnati Bearcats from the 2021 playoff field. Michigan and Cincinnati struggled against the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Oklahoma’s last matchup in the playoffs against the Crimson Tide was in 2018. It’s safe to say the Sooners will look a little different from that game.

Brent Venables would be coaching against Nick Saban as head coach. Venables last matched up against Alabama in the playoffs as the defensive coordinator for the Clemson Tigers in the 2019 national championship game. Clemson dismantled Alabama, 44-16.

That year’s Alabama squad dispatched a Lincoln Riley-coached football team led by Heisman winner Kyler Murray in the Orange Bowl. The Sooners looked stunned from the opening drive. Oklahoma settled, but couldn’t get the requisite stops to beat Alabama.

Venables found ways to disrupt that dynamic Alabama offense, which featured top-100 draft picks Najee Harris, Tua Tagovailoa and Jerry Jeudy.

This year’s Oklahoma’s defense has not been unveiled, but it will have a similar test with quarterback Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman winner and a favorite to win the award again in 2022. Young is almost a lock to land inside the top 10 of the 2023 NFL draft. It would be quite the test for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Despite the shift in the regime, the expectations for Oklahoma are still high. Even with Venables entering his first season as a head coach, Oklahoma is still a significant player in college football. Now it will begin to show it on the field, starting with its first game against UTEP.

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Oklahoma Sooners underrated heading into 2022?

After being considered overrated by a couple of writers in CBS Sports Big 12 preview, others consider the Sooners underrated ahead of 2022.

CBS Sports has a deep roster of writers with varying opinions, especially regarding college football. Last week, CBS Sports writers chronicled the Big 12, where they looked at the league heading into 2022. Oklahoma was listed as one of the Big 12’s more overrated teams by writers Shehan Jeyarajah and Barrett Sallee.

This time around, the CBS Sports’ writing team is looking at the college football landscape as a whole, and lo and behold, Oklahoma is on the other side of the discussion. CBS Sports David Cobb believes Oklahoma is underrated as the 2022 season approaches.

The Big 12 looks wide open at the top as five programs, which translates to half the league, received at least one first-place vote in the preseason media poll. But that scattershot of opinions discounts how well-equipped Oklahoma is to thrive in Year 1 under new coach Brent Venables. The offense won’t miss a beat with UCF transfer Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, and the defense should immediately improve after years of mediocrity under former coach Lincoln Riley. With Baylor’s questions at the skill positions, Oklahoma State’s significant defensive losses and the general inconsistency of Texas, it’s Oklahoma that still stands out as the class of the Big 12. – Cobb, CBS Sports

In contrast to his colleagues, Cobb notes how Oklahoma has equipped itself to handle the turnover. Another factor Cobb considered are the losses its direct competition underwent as well.

You don’t win six straight conference titles and then fade into obscurity at a program with the resources of Oklahoma. Especially if you hired one of the sport’s best defensive minds’ as your head coach and one of the brightest offensive minds to pair with him.

Cobb and his colleague Jerry Palm even predicted that Oklahoma would make the College Football Playoff as the fourth seed along with Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson.

Venables was Cobb and Palm’s preseason pick for coach of the year.

The Sooners’ steady athletic leadership picked the perfect replacement for Riley by hiring a coveted name with Oklahoma roots in Venables, the long-time Clemson defensive coordinator. Though defense is his speciality, he already avoided the trap of pigeon-holing his program into a one-dimensional box by hiring Jeff Lebby as offensive coordinator. Venables and Lebby have been among the best coordinators in the sport for several years, and their coalescence at a university of personal significance to both is a recipe for immediate success. Venables will get the Sooners headed in the right direction defensively while implementing elements of Clemson’s culture in a way that keeps this team in national title contention. – Cobb, CBS Sports

This season will be a test of different proportions for Venables in his first year as a head coach. If the Sooners find themselves in the playoffs, there’s no reason Venables wouldn’t deserve coach of the year consideration.

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Desmond Howard on what ’causes concern’ for him with Clemson

An ESPN college football analyst expressed concern when discussing Clemson during the network’s College GameDay show this past weekend. Desmond Howard talked about the Tigers’ coordinator changes, saying the departures of former Clemson offensive …

An ESPN college football analyst expressed concern when discussing Clemson during the network’s College GameDay show this past weekend.

Desmond Howard talked about the Tigers’ coordinator changes, saying the departures of former Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott to Virginia and former Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables to Oklahoma “causes concern” for him.

“When you look at what they lost – not just players but the coordinators – that causes concern for me,” he said. “These are like two special play-callers. They lost Tony Elliott. He was the offensive coordinator. I mean, it takes skill, intuition – it takes a lot to be a play-caller. It doesn’t show up every week – it shows up against opponents where you’re probably kind of equally matched. Now he’s at UVA.”

Dabo Swinney, of course, filled those coordinator roles on his staff internally, promoting Brandon Streeter to offensive coordinator and Wes Goodwin to defensive coordinator.

Streeter and Goodwin got a dress rehearsal, so to speak, when they called plays for the first time in the Tigers’ Cheez-It Bowl win over Iowa State last December. But Howard is interested to see how the play-calling works out for Clemson this season.

“I understand that they hired within. But I think that people don’t give the right amount of attention to guys who are long-term play-callers, who are successful at it or who are great at it,” Howard said.

“You just don’t step into those shoes and fill in like it’s nothing to it. There’s a rhythm to it. So, that’s what I want to see. I want to see how the play-calling happens on offense and defense, because they lost Brent Venables, too.”

5-star prospect David Hicks schedules Oklahoma official visit for Beldam

Five-star DL David Hicks plans to visit Oklahoma for an official visit in November.

Oklahoma’s heavy lifting on the recruiting trail for the class of 2023 now takes a bit of a backseat to the start of the 2022 college football season. Recruiting is never done; it’s just reprioritized as the Oklahoma Sooners begin their 2022 quest.

The summer months saw them rise dramatically from just inside the top 50 of 247Sports team rankings to inside the top five. As things stand, the Sooners have 22 commitments in the 2023 recruiting class.

The Sooners still have space for a few more recruits. If the Sooners are able to close on David Hicks, he would be the top player in their 2023 recruiting class. Hicks, a five-star defensive line prospect out of Katy, Texas, just confirmed to On3 that he plans to take his official visit to the University of Oklahoma on Nov. 19.

The insanely talented defensive lineman is a can’t-miss prospect. He has a great relationship with Sooners defensive tackles coach Todd Bates. Their relationship started when Bates was still at Clemson.

Once thought a significant Aggie lean, predictions from multiple recruiting services show that Oklahoma is a real player here.

On3 national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman recently issued a prediction in favor of Oklahoma to land Hicks. The visit to Oklahoma takes place when Bedlam comes to Norman in what should be a meaningful game in the race to secure a spot in the Big 12 championship. Norman should be rocking, and that will only add to the atmosphere of a potentially huge weekend for Oklahoma.

The [autotag]David Hicks[/autotag] recruitment will not see an end until the Under Armour All-American game, which is when Hicks plans to announce his commitment. There’s a long way to go here, but securing one of his final official visits puts Oklahoma in a great spot to land the five-star talent.

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Versatility gives DaShaun White an opportunity to shine as Sooners’ ‘Cheetah’

Moving from WILL linebacker, DaShaun White has the versatility to be productive as the Sooners’ “Cheetah” in Oklahoma’s defense.

A new defensive scheme brings new deployments to the Oklahoma Sooners. Unlike the 3-3-5 of the Alex Grinch era, Brent Venables runs more of a traditional 4-3 defense in base packages.

To combat the passing and spread evolution that’s occurred in college football over the last 20 years, teams are looking for versatile athletes to play hybrid positions on defense. For Brent Venables, his answer has been the development of the “Cheetah” position in his defense.

The player in recent years that’s best displayed the versatility that the “Cheetah” requires is former Clemson star, Isaiah Simmons.

The “Cheetah” serves as a hybrid between a linebacker, slot cornerback, and safety. A player that can provide support in the running game and be a difference maker in coverage. They can also rush the passer when called upon. Not only does a player have to have the requisite athleticism to cover a variety of pass catchers and be effective in the running game, but they also have to have the football IQ to understand his responsibilities at a variety of positions within the defense.

The “Cheetah” will line up all over the field, and that’s what the Oklahoma Sooners are asking of senior linebacker DaShaun White. White, who was also elected captain for the week one matchup against UTEP, made the move from WILL linebacker over to Cheetah, and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ted Roof spoke on how he feels White will fit in there at Cheetah.

“Well, it starts with the versatility, the ability to play coverage and at the same time be physical enough to get in the box and be efficient in there,” Roof said during media availability on Monday. “So, [it’s] a lot of versatility there when you start looking at the overall skill set and job description of that position. And that’s where it starts. So, that’s where we are. But DaShaun’s had a great camp, has adjusted really well because, you know, he was playing WILL earlier in camp, and we moved him to the Cheetah position. But he still has the ability to play WILL as well.”

While [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] and [autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag] will man the Sooners’ traditional linebacker spots, White’s ability to play “Cheetah” allows the Sooners to keep three linebackers on the field in a lot of situations. Even when teams go with three or more wide receivers, Oklahoma won’t give up anything in the running game because of White’s ability to play the run.

Changing positions in the middle of fall camp can provide a challenge, but White’s experience as a three-year starter in the Sooners’ defense provides him the opportunity to find success because of his versatility. He’s seen a lot in his time with the Sooners, and that experience will help White thrive in his new position.

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Oklahoma Sooners name captains for season opener vs. UTEP

The Oklahoma Sooners named five captains ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the UTEP Miners.

On Monday, the Oklahoma Sooners checked off several items on their game week agenda, culminating in the release of their captains to open the 2022 season against UTEP.

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], [autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], [autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], [autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag] and [autotag]Justin Broiles[/autotag] will serve as captains in Week 1.

During fall camp, [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] shared how the Sooners would go about picking their captains for the season opener.

“I believe in promoting older guys who have been here,” Venables said. “They’ve paid a price. It means a little more something to them. Being a senior should be a big deal. Needs to be a big deal. We’re going to honor that and recognize that.”

Venables added during his coaches show on Monday night that the Sooners will elect captains each week.

Transferring in from UCF, Dillon Gabriel has been one of the highlights of the offseason. His teammates and coaches have raved about his leadership and work ethic. He’s worked diligently to build relationships with his offensive teammates, taking the pass catchers and offensive linemen on separate retreats. The unquestioned starter for the Oklahoma Sooners, Gabriel looks to build upon a productive career at UCF for OU.

One of the leaders on this team for more than a year, Brayden Willis, looks to be on the verge of a breakout season. The starting tight end in Oklahoma’s depth chart release, Willis has the size and the athleticism to be a game-changer for Oklahoma’s offense. He has played in 35 games since 2018, posting career bests in the passing game as part of a H-back rotation in 2021.

DaShaun White is one of the more experienced players on this team heading into 2022. He’s played in 41 games over four seasons and 36 games as a three-year starter for the Sooners. Now set to unveil the cheetah position in Brent Venables’ defense, White’s leadership and experience will help a Sooners’ defense that is breaking in eight new starters on defense.

Like White, David Ugwoegbu is one of the more experienced players on the defense. Though he hasn’t started as much at linebacker, he’s played in 33 games for the Oklahoma Sooners. After a fantastic offseason in Jerry Schmidt’s strength and conditioning program, Ugwoegbu looks primed for a breakout season at mike linebacker.

Not to be overlooked is senior safety Justin Broiles, who was listed on the initial depth chart as an option to start along with Key Lawrence. But even if Broiles doesn’t start, he’ll find ways to make an impact on the field, namely on special teams. Only Patrick Fields played more snaps than Broiles for Oklahoma’s defense in 2021. He’s an important member of the special teams’ units as well, playing on each unit in 2021.

Depth chart? Check. Media availability? Check. Captains released? Check. Coach’s show? Check.

Looks like it’s time to play some football.

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5 observations from the Oklahoma Sooners first official depth chart

Observations from the first official depth chart released by Oklahoma as the Sooners prepare for their week one matchup with UTEP.

Folks, we have arrived at the first game week of the season for the Oklahoma Sooners. The wait is nearly over and we are merely days away from meaningful football being played in Norman, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Sooners have been at it since the winter months getting in shape, lifting in the weight room before transitioning to spring ball, which culminated in one of the best spring game atmospheres the sport has ever seen.

All of that has led us to this week, which is the first game week for Brent Venables as head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners.

Venables will don the headset and will see his first team as the head coach take the field against a UTEP team that lost its first game against North Texas 31-13 during week zero.

While UTEP has game tape already out there for the Sooners to watch, the Miners will only be able to piece together information from watching last year and game plan based on the Sooners’ depth chart, which was released Monday morning.

We took a look at the depth chart and offered five observations below.

Oklahoma one of the 20 teams that can make the College Football Playoff per ESPN

Oklahoma one of 20 teams with a shot to make the College Football Playoff, according to ESPN.

A wise man once said, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” That rings true as the college football world begins its journey to crown a national champion. Before that happens, there are many games, upsets, lofty expectations, and underachievers to sort thru along the way.

Most college football fans who are self-aware enough know that there are only a number of teams that can truly compete for the chance to go to the College Football Playoff. Using ESPN’s Allstate Playoff Predictor, Heather Dinich broke down the 20 teams that have a shot to make the College Football Playoff (ESPN+).

Oklahoma enters the season with an 11.3% chance to make the College Football Playoff and Dinich considers the toughest test for the Sooners their October 8 neutral site matchup with the Texas Longhorns.

What the committee will like: A more balanced team. With offensive coordinator, Jeff Lebby reuniting with quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and a veteran defensive staff in coach Brent Venables and coordinator Ted Roof, Oklahoma could be progressing toward a more complete team despite the offensive star power it lost.

What the committee won’t like: Unconvincing wins against unheralded opponents. Last fall, OU beat Tulane 40-35. It needed a last-second field goal to beat West Virginia at home. And the Sooners trailed Kansas by double digits twice. Not every game has to be a lopsided win, but OU has to leave no doubt it’s the better team against unranked opponents. – Dinich, ESPN

Oklahoma checks in with the eighth-best chance to make the playoffs according to the Football Power Index. They come in behind expected contenders Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia. In the tier below them sit Notre Dame, Clemson, Michigan, and Red River rival Texas all with better percentages to make the CFP.

The Red River Showdown could have postseason implications yet again, if Texas enters that game with only one loss (Alabama) or if they somehow enter it undefeated.

2022 sets the Sooners up for a little revenge as Baylor and Oklahoma State enter the season as top 25 programs with their sites set on winning the Big 12. Those matchups could be the difference in Oklahoma competing for the Big 12 title and, with the right record and fortune elsewhere, a CFP playoff spot.

We’re a long way out to the first College Football Playoff rankings. The weeks leading up to the first release will be about building a resume that will stand out. For the Sooners, it’s about winning, and as long as they do that, everything else will take care of itself.

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Top storylines heading into the 2022 season for the Oklahoma Sooners

With the season opener approaching, here are the top storylines surrounding the Oklahoma Sooners heading into 2022.

It’s here, it’s finally here!!!

Game week for the 2022 Oklahoma Sooners has finally come, and in just a few days, the Oklahoma Sooners will host the UTEP Miners to launch the start of the Brent Venables era.

Analysts are mixed on Oklahoma’s prospects this season. Some believe the Sooners will win the Big 12, while others think they’ll miss the title game altogether. Even those that think the Sooners will return to their place as conference champions, a throne they sat on for six-straight seasons, the consensus is that Oklahoma won’t make it through the season with fewer than two losses.

Given all of the turnover the Oklahoma Sooners underwent in the offseason and the coaching change, many are taking a “wait and see” approach with Brent Venables’ Sooners. However, in a conference with no definitive favorite, Oklahoma has just as good a shot to win it all as anyone.

But as Oklahoma gets set to start the 2022 season, let’s look at the top storylines facing the Sooners in Brent Venables’ first season at the helm.

Oklahoma Sooners release first depth chart of 2022 ahead of season opener vs. UTEP

Days away from the 2022 season opener vs. UTEP, the Oklahoma Sooners released their first depth chart of the season.

Wee one of the 2022 college football season has arrived, and the Oklahoma Sooners have released their first depth chart ahead of their opener against the UTEP Miners.

One of the goals of Brent Venables’ first offseasons with the Oklahoma Sooners was to create competition on the depth chart. Though several spots were solidified heading into fall camp, we still didn’t have an answer at right tackle, one of the wide receiver spots, defensive end, or at linebacker.

Now with the depth chart released, we get a glimpse at how the coaching staff sees the roster as they prepare for the first game of the Brent Venables era.

Several spots indicate an ongoing competition or those players will rotate at those positions with an “OR” designation. In Brent Venables’ defense, instead of deploying a “slot” or “nickel” cornerback, he utilizes the “Cheetah” position, a hybrid between a safety and a linebacker. Someone who can cover and provide support in the running game.

With that, let’s take a look at the first Oklahoma Sooners depth chart heading into week one vs. the UTEP Miners.