Every year, college football teams have strengths and weaknesses on paper before the season begins. During the season, we get to see what the actual problem areas are and if they get fixed during the season or doom that year’s squad.
The Oklahoma Sooners have plenty of strengths on paper. They’re loaded at wide receiver. The linebacker room is filled with talent. The secondary is strong throughout. But, there are also some weaker spots as well on Brent Venables’ third team at OU.
ESPN asked their reporters to identify the question marks for each of their Top 25 teams before fall camps begin. Their staff has OU ranked No. 18 in the nation heading into the season and eighth in the SEC.
No surprise, it was Oklahoma’s offensive line that was named the biggest question mark exiting SEC media days. Here’s what ESPN’s Dave Wilson had to say regarding the often-talked-about unit:
The Sooners lost their entire starting offensive line, including first-round pick Tyler Guyton and nine O-lineman in total. They added Spencer Brown from Michigan State, Geirean Hatchett from Washington, Febechi Nwaiwu from North Texas and Michael Tarquin from USC along with four incoming freshmen, then added a big piece in SMU center Branson Hickman after the spring portal. Brent Venables said they will need contributions from all of them, but added that he has complete confidence in line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who has helped produce 13 NFL draft picks in the past 10 years. But with a grueling schedule in Year 1 in the SEC, it’s not an ideal time for an offensive line rebuild. – Wilson, ESPN
Bill Bedenbaugh’s presence is key for the Sooners, as he’s one of the best offensive line coaches in college football. If he can find a unit of five that will fit together and gel as a group, then Oklahoma could turn a weakness into a strength. The transfer portal additions were key for Bedenbuagh, especially Hickman at center. Some combination of four players around him will need to step up in preseason camp and separate themselves from the pack.
Oklahoma’s performance along the offensive line could make or break their season. If they’re better than expected early, quarterback Jackson Arnold and the many weapons in the passing game will be given a chance to shine. Gavin Sawchuk and the running backs will be given room to run wild. The defense won’t have as much pressure placed on them to control games early, especially with a bit of reshuffling on the defensive line. The special teams won’t have such a spotlight placed on every move they make if the offense is dominant. Venables and the coaching staff won’t have as many high-pressure decisions to make.
If the offensive line struggles or is a liability, Arnold’s youth could show with added heat on him. Mistakes could be made, despite having plenty of receivers to throw to. He won’t get any help from the running game. The defense will have to win games by themselves, which won’t hold up all year long. The special teams will face more pressure to put points on the board or flip the field when the offense stalls out. The coaches will find themselves in more close games, where the stakes rise with every passing snap.
A good offensive line will be paramount if the Sooners want to have success moving from the Big 12 to the SEC. Venables trusts Bedenbaugh, as he should, and Bedenbaugh will rely on his young returning players and transfer additions to pave the way for Oklahoma in 2024.
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