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Oct 7, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Ethan Downs (40) rushes on Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) during the game at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma Sooners are just over two weeks away from beginning the 2024 college football season. The US LBM Coaches Poll is out and the AP Top 25 was released on Monday. In both, the Sooners were voted the No. 16 team in the nation and eighth among SEC teams.
While the human voters may had the Sooners eighth, the computers like Oklahoma a bit better. They’re No. 8 in ESPN’s Football Power Index and come in at No. 13 overall and seventh in the SEC in the final ESPN SP+ rankings ahead of the 2024 season.
Here’s a look at how the SEC compares in the final SP+ rankings.
By comparison, the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense rates more favorably than the offense. OU’s defense comes in as the fourth-best unit in the SEC, according to the SP+ ratings. Offensively, however, the Sooners are considered the ninth-best offense in the conference.
It’s reasonable to expect more out of the defense. There’s a lot more experience and proven production on that unit led by Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman, Ethan Downs, Woodi Washington, and incoming defensive tackle transfer Damonic Williams.
The offense has talent, but aside from guys like Gavin Sawchuk, Nic Anderson, Jalil Farooq, Andrel Anthony, and their offensive line transfers, there’s not a lot of experience or production. Much of that production came last season.
With former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold taking the reigns there’s a lot of potential for the offense. He’s got a big arm and fantastic athleticism. He’s got a lot to prove but has the talent to be among the best in college football.
Beyond Arnold, the Sooners have a lot to prove on special teams. The SP+ ratings…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahomas-defense-one-best-sec-170051429.html
Author : Sooners Wire
Publish date : 2024-08-13 17:00:51
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