Spencer Rattler is not the problem
Through three games this season, redshirt freshman Spencer Rattler has nearly thrown for 1,000 yards and has 10 touchdowns. His downfall has been the four interceptions, two which have sealed victories for Kansas State and Iowa State.
Despite those two interceptions, Rattler has been far from the problem in Lincoln Riley’s squad. The quarterback is still completing 73% of his passes and has more passing yards than Jalen Hurts did at this point of last season. Interceptions are going to be expected when rolling a freshman out there and may continue. However, Rattler’s excellence will continue throughout the season.
Oklahoma’s offensive issues have come in the major drop off in the run game. Preseason first-team All-Big 12 running back Kennedy Brooks opted out of the season, 1,000-yard rusher Trey Sermon transferred to Ohio State and Rhamondre Stevenson is still suspended. Those three players plus Jalen Hurts is over 3,200 rushing yards lost.
Riley’s identity has turned into a run-first offensive built behind a great offensive line. Both facets struggled against Iowa State, only rushing for 3.5 yards per carry. If the Longhorns’ defense can stop the run on Saturday, Rattler will continue to make freshman-Esque mistakes.