The Oklahoma Sooners narrowly squeaked out a 16-12 win over Houston on Saturday night. Rolling into the SEC with momentum, defeated Temple 51-3 with conservative play calling and building hype in Norman — this feels like a step backward from the Sooners.
The theme of the game was honoring tradition. The classic jerseys the program rolled out were incredibly crisp and the vibes were high. Then the game kicked off. Now, the Cougars were stomped 27-7 by UNLV. So, it was far from an impressive win from the guys in crimson and cream.
Oklahoma scored 14 first-half points, and there were plenty of punts mixed in there. In the second half? Zero offensive points and a safety from the defense to help the team secure the victory.
Is Oklahoma’s offense cause for concern?
The early instinct is no. Well, yes, but, no. It is concerning, but given the injuries to the wide receiver room, it seems things are set the improve. Underclassmen are going to have to step up in the position group, evidently.
Not only is sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold finding his groove — in the first game in which the playbook was opened up — but the team, overall, is set to suffer growing pains. Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell is in his first season in Norman with a unit ushering in a new era.
This is what non-conference games are for, right? Taking a punch from an inferior opponent might be the wake-up call Oklahoma needs, and maybe the Sooners will begin to step up in a big way with SEC play looming. Tulane will be a great tune-up contest for Oklahoma.
There is one bright spot, though.
Sooners’ defense steps up
Given the hand they were dealt, Oklahoma’s defense was incredible, and, evidently, won the game for the team. Arnold and the rest of the offensive unit have plenty of praise to show for the defense, and they ought to feel some pressure to step up, starting as soon as next week.
One additional area for concern outside of the offense was the punt return issues. The defense *really* carried a heavy load on Saturday.
If things don’t improve on the offensive side of the ball, hosting Tennessee and Alabama could be ugly, let alone trips to Ole Miss and LSU, and playing Texas (who looked great today) on a neutral field.
This is Oklahoma, though, and Arnold has more than enough talent to turn things around. The Sooners played plenty of 12 personnel and they’ll continue to adapt to their circumstances to make the best of what they have.
Give the Sooners time. They’ve got Tulane next week, who played Kansas State close this week, and then a gauntlet of an SEC schedule is coming.
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