What started out as a bad dream has evolved into a full-blown nightmare for Oklahoma football in 2024. This is one of the most embarrassing, dysfunctional offenses that I can ever remember. Michael Hawkins had the worst start to a game possible against South Carolina: he threw an interception on his first pass, fumbled a pass that was scooped up and returned for a touchdown on the next possession, and then threw a pick-six on the next drive. Jackson Arnold played the rest of the game after that. Oklahoma’s offensive line gave up nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
It’s not just that OU has quarterback problems or offensive line woes, the entire offense feels lifeless and completely harmless, evidenced by both the Texas and South Carolina games. But the worst part is, Oklahoma’s schedule is only going to get tougher. They still have to play Alabama at home and Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU on the road and all four are playoff contenders. At 4-2, with OU’s only winnable game being versus Maine, there is a very real possibility that Oklahoma will fail to make a bowl game for the first time since 1998, the last season before Bob Stoops took over. What should head coach Brent Venables do to salvage the rest of the season?
Where Do the Sooners Go From Here?
Fire the Offensive Coordinator(s)
During the offseason, Venables named Joe Jon Finley and Seth Littrell as his co-offensive coordinators, with Littrell calling plays. On Sunday, Littrell was fired and Finley was given play-calling duties, much to the delight of Sooner fans. The Sooners have averaged just 22 points per game this season and that number goes down to just 17 if you don’t count their first game when they scored 51 against Temple. The offense is completely stale and it almost feels like OU might have a better chance to win if they just punted on first down every drive.
Finley’s most important job for the rest of the season is to figure out which quarterback will be OU’s starter after this season. To that end, he needs to do a better job of scheming up protection for whatever guy is taking the snaps and he absolutely needs to give them easy throws and decisions to make.
Pick a Quarterback, and Stick with Him
After Hawkins’ three atrocious drives, Venables pulled him for the much-maligned Jackson Arnold, who actually played well, throwing for 225 yards, one touchdown, and no turnovers. The reality is that whoever Oklahoma picks as their quarterback this year, the other one will likely transfer. But by continuing to play both of them and not verbally (or otherwise) committing to just one of them, OU runs the risk of upsetting both of them and losing both of them to the portal.
But with that said, Hawkins is still a true freshman and he committed to the Sooners knowing that Arnold would be starting in front of him for at least a year. It makes more sense to ride with Arnold both because he’s older and a more prestigious recruit, but because his throwing ability gives Oklahoma a much better shot to win games. Hawkins is a very green freshman and the lack of pass protection causes him to be flustered and scramble all the time.
See What the Young Guys Have to Offer
While I did just recommend sticking with Arnold, I also think Venables and his staff should let as many underclassmen play as they can. This season is already a lost cause, so their record doesn’t matter anymore. BV needs to turn his eyes to next season and beyond and give more opportunities to his young guys. Whether it be Taylor Tatum at running back, Zion Ragins or Ivan Carreon at receiver, David Stone on the defensive line, or Eli Bowen in the secondary, it’s time to see what OU’s future looks like.
Main Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
