How did OU football players react to firing of offensive coordinator Seth Littrell?

NORMAN — OU football players are turning their focus toward Mississippi amid the program’s offensive struggles and Sunday’s firing of offensive coordinator Seth Littrell.

While new play caller Joe Jon Finley and new quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns brought new energy to the practice field to start the week, the vibes were different. Tight end Jake Roberts, who played for Littrell at North Texas, hasn’t spoken to his former coach since he was let go but said he will soon.

“I love coach Littrell as a coach and a person and this doesn’t change a thing about that,” Roberts said after practice Tuesday.

The switch at play caller came after Saturday’s 35-9 blowout loss to South Carolina, the Sooners’ worst home loss since 2014. Venables has tasked Finley and Johns to fix OU’s offense, which ranks 129th nationally.

Rallying together has been the players’ central message ahead of the Sooners’ final five games.

“It’s unfortunate,” running back Jovantae Barnes said. “But our biggest thing is we have to focus on who we have next. Take it day by day. We have to go out there and do our job and execute better as players.”

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Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jake Roberts (87) runs after a reception during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

Head coach Brent Venables made it clear Tuesday during his weekly news conference that the abysmal offensive performances this season aren’t all Litrell’s fault. The Sooners are missing their five best receivers, the offensive line allowed nine sacks against the Gamecocks and the tight ends and running backs have largely struggled.

Offensive lineman Troy Everett…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/did-ou-football-players-react-024118307.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2024-10-23 02:41:18

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