MusaOklahoma Sooners Football: A Season of Disappointment with Signs of Hope
The Oklahoma Sooners are still chasing a return to the College Football Playoff, with their last appearance dating back to 2019 when Jalen Hurts and the team ran into a dominant LSU squad in the semifinals. Since then, Oklahoma has been stuck in a playoff drought, and the transition from Lincoln Riley to Brent Venables was expected to reignite their national title hopes.
The 2023 season appeared to be a prime opportunity, but upset losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State derailed their Big 12 title aspirations. Oklahoma’s first year in the SEC in 2024 was even more challenging. Offensive struggles and key injuries overshadowed a much-improved defense, leading to a disappointing season.
Despite the setbacks, the Sooners’ defensive progress under Venables laid a promising foundation for the future. The 2024 defense delivered several standout performances, most notably in games against Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. However, offensive inefficiencies prevented Oklahoma from turning those strong defensive efforts into victories.
The results of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff reinforced Oklahoma’s vision. Notre Dame and Ohio State reached the national championship game behind dominant defensive play and strong quarterback performances from Riley Leonard and Will Howard. The Sooners, with continued defensive development and offensive improvements, could soon find themselves in a similar position.
As Oklahoma looks ahead, the lessons of 2024 will serve as a roadmap for returning to national contention. With the right adjustments, the Sooners’ defense has the potential to rival the best in college football, and their playoff drought may soon come to an end.
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