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Jackson Arnold snagged the shotgun snap, but before he could complete even a three-step drop, an Alabama defender blitzed up the middle and charged toward the Oklahoma quarterback.
His feet chopped.
His upper body coiled.
Moments like this had come before this season, sometimes with disastrous consequences. Interceptions. Fumbles. Turnovers. But not last Saturday against the Crimson Tide. Arnold threw across the middle to Brenan Thompson, who had waded into a sea of Alabama defenders, but Arnold’s pass was true. On target. On time.
The converted third down near midfield was a significant part of the Sooners’ first scoring drive, an 11-play drive that lasted almost six minutes and ended with a field goal.
It was also a reminder: Arnold is still a work in progress.
The entirety of his performance against Alabama was a sign of that — and it makes for an interesting conundrum in Norman.
More: OU football’s upset of Alabama doesn’t change trajectory of offensive coordinator search
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) throws a pass beside Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Domani Jackson (1) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
Before the upset of Alabama, the future of the quarterback position at OU seemed sure. The Sooners were going to need to lure their next quarterback out of the transfer portal. Perhaps the new offensive coordinator who Brent Venables is soon to hire would bring one. Maybe the new guy would have to find one.
But either way, it seemed highly unlikely Arnold would be the starter next season.
Now?
The decision isn’t as clear-cut.
“Jackson Arnold went out there and executed in a really efficient way,” Venables said…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/did-jackson-arnolds-superb-performance-120300929.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2024-11-30 12:03:00
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