Oklahoma
5 ‘ifs’ that have to go right for Oklahoma to be a contender in 2023
Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Head coach Brent Venables’ first Oklahoma defense ranked 70th in rushing success rate allowed and 98th in sack rate. Venables brought in six transfer linemen, led by endTrace Ford (Oklahoma State) and big tackleDa’Jon Terry (Tennessee), plus two linebackers. Will this start looking like a Venables defense at some point? – Connelly, ESPN
It’s no secret the defensive line was the weakness of the team a year ago. That’s why the coaching staff really worked to attack it both in the portal and through the recruiting class. When you land a transfer, they are there for a reason, whether they underperformed at their previous spot or injuries. Can this staff get the most out of them, though? That isn’t necessarily the case with Bothroyd and McCullough come to Oklahoma after strong 2022 seasons.
How much the defensive front improves will determine how much the defense improves in 2023.