The Ugly: Having to answer questions about the Quarterback position
The Sooners got an important win to open Big 12 play in a game that was a defensive battle. Spencer Rattler and the offense have yet to live up to the preseason and historical expectations set before them, but they did enough to win the game.
It wasn’t a good or even great game, but they won the game.
Along the way, as the offense was struggling and Spencer Rattler struggled to find a hole to exploit in a tight West Virginia defense. During the game, boos could be heard on the broadcast, and “We Want Caleb” chants were as clear as day.
It would be understandable if Spencer Rattler had a bad game, but completing 72% of your passes with just one turnover isn’t bad. It’s not great or even good, but it’s a solid performance. Is he living up to the expectations that have followed him from Pinnacle to Netflix to Norman? Not by a long shot.
But he’s not losing them games. The Sooners haven’t lost a game since he was benched last year in the Cotton Bowl. He doesn’t look like the confident player he was last year, but he’s showed resilience, bouncing back from turnovers to help the Sooners find a way to win.
Perhaps it’s the personality or the timing of the name, image, and likeness deals that are rubbing people the wrong way, which makes people push for the change at quarterback. Perhaps it’s the fact that the three quarterbacks that came before him were putting up pinball-type numbers. Perhaps Rattler hasn’t developed the edge or the chip or whatever you want to call it that drove the three quarterbacks before him to greatness.
The players have confidence in Spencer Rattler. The coaching staff isn’t looking to make a change. Rattler put enough on tape in 2020 for it to be reasonable to think he can return to form.
Unfortunately, as the margins of victory have become thin as the offense isn’t putting up a ton of points, the patience is running thinner.
Lincoln Riley, Spencer Rattler, the offensive line, the wide receiver, and the running backs need to figure out a way to get the offense on track.
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