The Oklahoma Sooners could be a surprise team in their inaugural campaign in the SEC.
With conference realignment finally taking place, the Texas Longhorns and their move to the SEC have been all the rave. For the Sooners, pundits project them to finish mid-table with a seven-win season.
It’s hard to ignore a program like Oklahoma, which is building a real foundation of a team that could be successful in the gauntlet of a conference for a very long time. They’re heading into their first season in the SEC with a stout defense, thanks to upperclassmen, such as safety Billy Bowman Jr. and linebacker Danny Stutsman, returning for another season.
READ MORE: Where do Oklahoma Sooners Land in CFB Pre-Season Top 25?
At SEC media days, Bowman Jr. explained the decision behind returning for another season.
Oklahoma’s Billy Bowman Jr. breaks down decision to return for a fourth season
Not many players represent their programs as Bowman Jr. does Oklahoma. He felt like there’s still plenty to be desired as it pertains to his career in Norman, even though he could have been off to the draft after a strong season a year ago. The star safety has unfinished business with the Sooners.
“Ultimately, I want to win another national championship,” Bowman Jr. explained. “When I came here, Oklahoma won six, seven conference championships in a row. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t been to one. My goal is to win championships. We went to the college football playoffs four times also. I haven’t been there also. So that’s something I want to check off too.”
Playing in the SEC poses a big opportunity for Oklahoma and its chances of making the College Football Playoffs. A nine-win SEC team still has a chance at making the playoffs given the 12-team expansion that is taking place this season. The Sooners — even if they win nine games this season — would be an interesting team to earn a late bit in the playoffs.
With a defense anchored by Bowman Jr., Stutsman and transfer defensive tackle Damonic Williams, the Sooners will transition into the SEC well and will have the potential to make the playoffs, which would leave the Sooners a few wins away from raising another banner.
READ MORE: Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Praises Oklahoma Sooners, Jackson Arnold
Want to join the discussion? Like SoonerPulse on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Bookmark SoonerPulse.com to stay informed about all things Sooners.
Follow Kade Kimble on Twitter.
