Tag: SEC

Oklahoma Sooners captains against Alabama Crimson Tide

The Sooners will be represented by some of their veterans on Senior Day in Norman.

The Oklahoma Sooners will be back at home this week for their final home game of the 2024 season against the Alabama Crimson Tide. It’ll be Senior Day in Norman, as plenty of veteran stalwarts will be playing their final game on Owen Field.

OU head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] announced his game captains for this [autotag]SEC[/autotag] tilt. Quarterback [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], offensive lineman [autotag]Troy Everett[/autotag], defensive lineman [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] and defensive backs [autotag]Billy Bowman Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag] will represent the Sooners for this key contest.

Arnold will be a captain for the second straight game after a dismal performance against Missouri. His fumble at the end allowed the Tigers to win a comeback on their home field. Arnold’s standing as a captain would seem to indicate that he’s still Venables’ starter at quarterback.

Everett has become OU’s starting center, taking control of the job after getting healthy in the middle of the season. He’s one of the few veterans still healthy on the offensive line, surrounded by portal acquisitions and youth up front.

Downs is a steady presence at defensive end for the Sooners. He isn’t the flashiest player, but he’s always in the right place. He’s grown into a solid leader and clutch player for Venables over the last three seasons.

Stutsman is the heart and soul of this team. He’s the vocal leader and the enforcer at inside linebacker in the middle of the defense. He’ll play one more game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, and his career in the crimson and cream has been excellent.

Bowman Jr. is another player who decided to return to school this past offseason, turning down a chance at the pros. If Oklahoma is makes a bowl game, it’ll likely be Bowman making a pivotal play to get them there. His scoop and score against Mizzou should have given the Sooners their sixth win two weeks ago.

Washington is the longest-tenured player on the team, having been a Sooner since 2019. He’s seen it all over his six years in Norman and is a respected veteran voice in a young locker room.

The senior group of Downs, Stutsman, Bowman and Washington are the only four defensive players that remain from the Lincoln Riley-Alex Grinch era at Oklahoma. They have been here for the transformation of OU’s defense over the last three seasons and have a huge hand in what that side of the ball looks like today.

As the season winds to a close for the Sooners, the coaching staff will clearly be looking to Arnold and the veterans to pave the way for Oklahoma to try to upset Alabama.

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Where do the Oklahoma Sooners land in USA TODAY Sports’ 1-134 rankings?

Where did the Oklahoma Sooners land in the most recent 1-134 rankings from USA TODAY Sports?

Following their second and final bye week of the 2024 season, the Oklahoma Sooners are preparing for a battle against the Alabama Crimson Tide. It’ll be the final home game of the year for OU, and it could be the penultimate game of the season if the Sooners can’t find a way to split their last two contests.

A 5-5 record overall and a 1-5 mark in Southeastern Conference play in head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]’ third season is a far cry from what is expected from this program. Year 1 in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag] has been a disaster, and there are a multitude of questions surrounding the program going forward.

One area where the fall of Oklahoma can be seen is in USA TODAY Sports’ weekly 1-134 rankings of each team at the NCAA Division I FBS level of college football. A team regularly in the top five or ten in the past quarter-century has fallen completely out of the top 25.

Staff writer Paul Myerberg ranks the Sooners as the No. 44 team in the country, up one spot from a week ago, with OU on an open date in Week 12. That’s good for twelfth in the SEC, behind Texas, Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, South Carolina, LSU, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Florida. There are 13 of the 16 SEC teams in the top 50, with Arkansas at No. 46.

Oklahoma is, interestingly enough, listed between two programs who had coaches on the hot seat, before confirming that they will indeed return next year. No. 43 Florida will be retaining head coach Billy Napier and No. 45 Baylor will stick with head coach Dave Aranda.

It’s a generous ranking from Myerberg to say the least, as Oklahoma has looked like one of the worst teams in the Power Four at multiple points this season. It’s not a pretty sight to see yourself suddenly looking up at the Gators, who have struggled mightily for the last four years. The Bears, meanwhile, have cratered over the last three years before a bit of an uptick midway through this season.

That’s not where you want to be if you’re the Oklahoma Sooners. It’s just one more signal that things have to get moving in the right direction again, or else OU will fall dangerously behind the curve in the SEC.

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 Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

2024 SEC rushing yard leaders after Week 12

A look at SEC rushing yard leaders after Week 12 in 2024.

Week 12 of the 2024 college football season has concluded.

Tennessee (8-2, 5-2 SEC) will next host UTEP (2-8, 2-5 C-USA) at Neyland Stadium in Week 13 after losing at Georgia, 31-17. Kickoff between the Vols and Miners is slated for 1 p.m. EST (SEC Network +).

Following Week 12 games, Vols Wire looks at statistical leaders in the Southeastern Conference. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson ranks first in the SEC for rushing yards.

Below are the top five rushing yards leaders in the SEC entering Week 13.

  1. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (1,230)
  2. Jarquez Hunter, Auburn (1,015)
  3. Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M (765)
  4. Raheim Sanders, South Carolina (749)
  5. Nate Noel, Missouri (684)

2024 SEC football power rankings after Week 12 can be viewed here.

Dylan Sampson. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

What did Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer have to say about the Oklahoma Sooners?

Kalen DeBoer and Brent Venables will meet for the first time when Alabama visits Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Sooners look to gain bowl eligibility on Saturday when they host the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday. OU is 5-5 and has the Tide coming to Norman for the final home game of the 2024 season.

This game has lost some of its luster due to the Sooners being as bad as they are, but it’s a measuring stick to see how far [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]’ team has to go if it wants to hang with the best of the [autotag]SEC[/autotag].

The Crimson Tide have a new coach this season for the first time since 2007. Kalen DeBoer replaced Nick Saban after the legendary coach retired after last season. So far, it’s been an 8-2 season for ‘Bama with losses on the road against Vanderbilt and Tennessee.

Alabama is still right in the mix to play in the SEC Championship game and they can’t afford a loss against Oklahoma. DeBoer has had the tough task of stepping in for an icon, but he’s done well in his first season in Tuscaloosa. He gave his initial thoughts on OU during his Monday press availability.

“It’s going to take a great week of preparation,” DeBoer said. “A physical football team all around. Their defense is, I think, an extremely tough defense, always just what they do with their scheme and then their personnel and the way they fly around. We’ll have to get ready for their offense with a couple of quarterbacks, potentially, just some skilled players.”

DeBoer went on to highlight the number of close games the Sooners have been in this season, specifically their last loss against the Missouri Tigers.

“You look at the games they’ve played, a lot of close games going into the second half and even the fourth quarter,” DeBoer said. “The Missouri game obviously was a crazy ending and some plays made both ways just in the final two minutes. Each and every game takes on its own life and for us, we’re focused on the next play and for us, the next game and everything that goes into being our best and that’s what our recipe for success has been here over the last month.”

DeBoer and Bama will have a great deal of confidence as they swagger onto Owen Field this week. It’ll be up to Venables and OU to halt their momentum to get win No. 6 on the season.

Kickoff between Oklahoma and Alabama is set for 6:30 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

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 Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

Florida jumps up four spots in The Athletic’s SEC vibe check rankings

The vibes are trending up for Florida after a big upset win over LSU in Week 12, and The Athletic agrees.

The curse of Marco Wilson came to an end on Saturday when the Florida Gators defeated the LSU Tigers for the first time since 2018, and bowl eligibility appears almost certain for the Orange and Blue with Florida State still on the schedule.

The vibes in Gainesville are sky-high, so much so that The Athletic’s Seth Emerson was forced to move the Gators up four spots to No. 8 in his weekly vibe check rankings.

“A good case can be made for putting the Gators even higher,” Emerson wrote. “They’re playing well enough now that Ole Miss is on upset watch. And the trip to Florida State looks to be close to a gimme at this point. [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] looks like the real deal. [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] is doing just enough to provide hope.

“Should Florida feel great about the overall future of the program? Eh, we’re not there yet. But should it feel much better than it did early in the season? Quite obviously.”

The future appears very bright for the Gators with Lagway at the helm, regardless of what Emerson thinks. There’s Heisman potential under center at Florida, and he’s still just a freshman. A win over Ole Miss next week would vault the Gators even further up these rankings and put a four-game win streak to close out 2024 on the table.

Week 11 SEC vibe check rankings

  1. South Carolina Gamecocks (7-3, 5-3)
  2. Ole Miss Rebels (8-2, 4-2 SEC)
  3. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2, 4-2)
  4. Georgia Bulldogs (8-2, 6-2)
  5. Texas Longhorns (9-1, 5-1)
  6. Vanderbilt Commodores (6-4, 3-3)
  7. Texas A&M Aggies (8-2, 5-1)
  8. Florida Gators (5-5, 3-4)
  9. Tennessee Volunteers (8-2, 5-2)
  10. Missouri Tigers (7-3, 3-3)
  11. Arkansas Razorbacks (5-5, 34)
  12. Oklahoma Sooners (5-5, 1-5)
  13. Auburn Tigers (4-6, 1-5)
  14. Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-8, 0-6)
  15. Kentucky Wildcats (4-6, 1-6)
  16. LSU Tigers (6-4, 3-3)

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Unique tour gives fans EA College Football 25 competitions at DKR before Texas game

During the 2024 campaign, Rally Cry’s mobile gaming truck has visited colleges nationwide for fans to compete in person on EA SPORTS™ College Football 25

At the last home game against the Florida Gators, Longhorns fans were treated to a unique game day experience. The Rally Cry Championship Tour appeared in Austin for the SEC clash. Over the last few months, Rally Cry’s mobile gaming truck has visited colleges nationwide for fans to compete in person on EA SPORTS™ College Football 25.

In its first year, the tour has included celebrity matches and allowed fans to compete for a custom championship trophy. For many, it’s an experience unlike any other.

“The program is a national tour with an online league association,” said Rally Cry CEO Adam Rosen. “We go to amazing matchups across the country. We are stationed right in the middle of tailgating right outside of the stadiums, hosting a featured matchup of the week.”

Prior to its stop in Austin, the tour also appeared at Hard Rock Stadium, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, and the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium. Over the last few months, Rosen has seen various tailgating experiences and what makes college football unique.

“It’s been incredible in short,” said Rosen. “I think a lot of the tradition and fanfare around college football makes it the best sport in the world. It’s something that we respect and think we are adding a little more to the experience as well. It’s been cool to see that every campus is completely different.”

On Saturday, Rosen and his teammate saw what game day at Austin looks like. As the Longhorns rolled to another win, the atmosphere did not disappoint.

“It was really cool to be on Bevo Boulevard where the band enters, where Bevo enters, it’s just stepped in tradition,” said Rosen. “We really like that we were able to immerse ourselves in it and hopefully add to that tradition for future years.”

The afternoon featured matchups between Longhorns legends and well-known media members. That list includes former Longhorns Rod Babers and Fozzy Whittaker. On Texas Football Analyst CJ Vogel also made an appearance.

In December, the top four players will battle it out in front of thousands to determine a champion.

2024 SEC receiving yard leaders after Week 12

A look at SEC receiving yard leaders after Week 12.

The 2024 college football season enters Week 13.

Tennessee (8-2, 5-2 SEC) lost to Georgia (8-2, 5-2 SEC), 31-17, in Week 12 at Sanford Stadium. The Vols will next host UTEP (2-8, 2-5 CUSA) on Saturday in Week 13.

Tennessee totaled 167 passing yards in its Week 12 loss against the Bulldogs. Tight end Miles Kitselman recorded four receptions for 46 yards for the Vols. Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White also recorded six receptions for 45 yards.

Below are the top five receiving yard leaders in the Southeastern Conference entering Week 13.

  1. Tre Harris, Ole Miss (987)
  2. Andrew Armstrong, Arkansas (931)
  3. Ryan Williams, Alabama (767)
  4. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn (761)
  5. Kevin Coleman Jr., Mississippi State (756)

Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. ranks No. 18 in the SEC for receiving yards (505) entering Week 13.

2024 SEC football power rankings after Week 12 can be viewed here.

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Matthew Golden records second straight multi-TD effort in Longhorns win

That continued on Saturday in the Longhorns’ latest conference win over Arkansas

Over the last few weeks, Matthew Golden has been a scoring machine. The Longhorns star wide receiver has become one of Quinn Ewers most trusted options and has been an integral part of the offense. That continued on Saturday in the Longhorns’ latest conference win over Arkansas.

Against the Razorbacks, the Longhorns’ talented junior recorded two catches for 21 yards. While those numbers may not jump off the page, they were important plays, as both catches resulted in touchdowns. Due to his recent scoring surge, Golden leads all Longhorns wide receivers in touchdowns with eight.

Through the first ten games of his Longhorns career, Golden has made a good first impression. He ranks third on the team in receptions with 29 and receiving yards with 417. Although he has had to learn a new offense, Golden has proven to be a valuable addition.

Additionally, Golden is getting better as the playoffs inch closer. In his last three games, the Houston native has found the end zone five times. He now has at least two touchdowns in three games this season. That is the type of production the Longhorns hoped they would get when they added Golden from the transfer portal.

As the regular season winds down, Golden should continue to be a popular target. He has proven he can be relied on in the red zone, making life difficult for defensive coordinators. He will get to continue adding more plays to his highlight reel this weekend when Texas takes on Kentucky.

2024 SEC passing yard leaders after Week 12

A look at SEC passing yard leaders after Week 12.

Week 12 of the 2024 college football season has concluded for Southeastern Conference teams.

Tennessee (8-2, 5-2 SEC) lost to Georgia (8-2, 6-2 SEC) in Week 12. The Vols will next host UTEP (2-8, 2-5 C-USA) in Week 13 at Neyland Stadium. Kick is slated for 1 p.m. EST (SEC Network+).

Following Week 12 games, Vols Wire looks at statistical leaders in the Southeastern Conference. Below are the top 10 passing yard leaders in the SEC.

  • Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (3,409)
  • Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (3,126)
  • Carson Beck, Georgia (2,835)
  • Taylen Green, Arkansas (2,363)
  • Jalen Milroe, Alabama (2,232)
  • Payton Thorne, Auburn (2,111)
  • Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee (2,046)
  • Quinn Ewers, Texas (1,898)
  • Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (1,843)
  • Brady Cook, Missouri (1,812)

PHOTOS: Tennessee starting quarterbacks through the years

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Where do the Oklahoma Sooners land in updated ESPN’s SP+ rankings?

Oklahoma Sooners aren’t too far behind the Top 25 in SP+ rankings, despite a 5-5 record.

The Oklahoma Sooners watched the rest of the college football world in action in Week 12, as they were on their second and final bye week of the 2024 regular season.

OU’s record sits at 5-5 and just 1-5 in [autotag]SEC[/autotag] play, a disappointing mark for a program that is used to winning and winning big. In the third season under head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag], it’s been a rough go of things in Norman in Year 1 in a new league.

But in at least one metric, Oklahoma may not be as bad as their record indicates. ESPN college football writer Bill Connelly released his weekly SP+ rankings (ESPN+)for all 134 teams at the FBS level.

Connelly defines SP+ as a tempo-and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency, intended to be predictive and forward-facing. It is not a résumé ranking, and is simply a measure of the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football.

While the Sooners are far from sniffing the actual Top 25 and are a long shot to making a bowl game for the first time in 25 years, SP+ has them ranked all the way up at No. 27, sandwiched in between Colorado and Virginia Tech.

One saving grace of OU’s poor season, and the most likely reason for the top-30 ranking, is that they’ve played a very difficult schedule. Tulane is one of the best teams in the Group of Five, and Oklahoma beat them by 15 points. South Carolina is far better than anyone expected, and teams like Tennessee, Texas, Ole Miss, and Missouri have all had their moments in 2024.

Unfortunately, the schedule doesn’t get any easier, as Alabama comes to town on Saturday, and Oklahoma will face LSU on the road a week after that. The Sooners will have to win at least one of those matchups if they want to avoid missing a bowl game for the first time since 1998.

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 Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.