The Oklahoma Sooners head into the 2022 season in an unfamiliar spot within the Large 12 hierarchy. They aren’t the preseason favourite to win the convention. They’re a bit underrated as properly, with zero choices to the preseason All-Large 12 crew.
The preseason expectations gained’t imply something as soon as the pads come on. On the identical time, this crew has questions they should reply. Invoice Connelly of ESPN appears at 20 contenders and determines what number of “ifs” must go proper for these groups, together with the Oklahoma Sooners, to be “legit nationwide title contenders (ESPN+).”
That is my annual “Ifs Checklist” piece — an try to see what number of “ifs” it takes me to show a crew into a real nationwide title contender. The favorites don’t require many; a couple of others may need greater than you suppose. – Invoice Connelly, ESPN
The Sooners fall into the “4 ifs” tier of groups together with Utah, Michigan, and Oklahoma State. Let’s have a look at what Connelly needed to say about Oklahoma and what must go proper for the Sooners.
‘If … G5-to-P5 transfers thrive on protection’
Oklahoma’s Jeffery Johnson (77) throughout the College of Oklahoma’s annual spring soccer recreation at Gaylord Household-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April 23, 2022. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
First-year coach Brent Venables introduced in some Group of 5 stars to enhance the protection. These gamers don’t normally dominate instantly on the energy convention stage, however OU’s hopes of a title-worthy protection may require guys like linebacker T.D. Roof (Appalachian State), cornerback C.J. Coldon (Wyoming) and finish Jonah Laulu (Hawaii) to just do that. – Connelly, ESPN
The Oklahoma Sooners actually have loads invested within the switch portal bag for 2022. And let’s not overlook to incorporate defensive sort out Jeffery Johnson who might be an enormous a part of the Oklahoma Sooners’ inside line of defense.
Sure, these gamers performed on the Group of 5 stage and are making a soar in competitors, however Brent Venables and the Sooners are banking on their expertise being the distinction for the Oklahoma Sooners.
‘If … a minimum of one younger stud emerges within the secondary’
Coldon, nickel Justin Broiles and others will give the OU secondary a veteran presence. However the ceiling may not be excessive sufficient except latest star recruits — sophomore security Billy Bowman, freshman nook Gentry Williams — command a spot within the rotation. – Connelly, ESPN
There are a whole lot of attention-grabbing items for Jay Valai and Brandon Corridor to work with. We all know what to anticipate from Woodi Washington, and Key Lawrence’s semi-breakout on the finish of the 2021 season supplied some optimism that he’s able to ascend into being an impression participant for the Sooners in 2022.
North Carolina switch Trey Morrison can also be a participant to look at within the Sooners’ secondary. Like the fellows talked about above, his expertise and skill to play a number of spots within the secondary will make him an necessary match for Oklahoma.
‘If … the Dillon Gabriel-Jeff Lebby marriage continues to be dynamite’
Lebby was UCF’s offensive coordinator in 2019, when Gabriel threw for 3,653 yards as a real freshman and UCF completed 14th in offensive SP+. The 2 reunite in Norman. Gabriel is correct, poised and prepared for the tempo Lebby calls for. This could work out very well. – Connelly, ESPN
“Reunited, and it feels so good!”
The tune by Peaches and Herb may find yourself being the anthem for the Oklahoma Sooners this season. Not solely has Brent Venables returned, however Dillon Gabriel and Jeff Lebby are again collectively for the primary time since Gabriel’s freshman season at UCF in 2019.
The Large 12 has gotten defensive over the past couple of seasons, making high quality quarterback play all of the extra necessary. Within the video games the Sooners misplaced final yr to Baylor and Oklahoma State, the quarterback play wasn’t adequate in opposition to the 2 greatest defenses within the Large 12, and it price them.
If they will decide up the place they left off, it’ll give the Sooners a shot at returning to the Large 12 championship recreation and contending for a School Soccer Playoff spot this season.
‘If … a revamped receiving corps is nearly as good because it appears’
OU’s three receptions leaders are gone, however Gabriel will nonetheless have Marvin Mims, damage returnee Theo Wease and Arizona State switch LV Bunkley-Shelton at his disposal. Can Mims specifically take pleasure in a breakout yr? – Connelly, ESPN
Gone are Jadon Haselwood, Mario Williams, and Michael Woods, however that ought to lead individuals to imagine that this vast receiver group might be worse. The truth is, there’s an opportunity it may very well be a lot better with Marvin Mims about to get featured within the offense and Wease’s return from damage.
For all of the depth the Sooners had at vast receiver in 2021, it one way or the other grew to become a detriment as Mims didn’t play as a lot as he ought to have and didn’t see the goal share {that a} man averaging 22 yards per reception ought to have.
Jalil Farooq may very well be on the verge of a breakout season after his Alamo Bowl efficiency and Jayden Gibson may push for taking part in time after he confirmed out within the spring recreation.
Drake Stoops returns to offer the regular fingers on the vast receiver place and can get a whole lot of appears for Oklahoma within the slot this season.
The addition of L.V. Bunkley Shelton to the vast receiver depth chart supplies a man that may step in and play within the slot from day one for the Sooners.
Oklahoma might be in rivalry
Although loads has to go proper for the Oklahoma Sooners, this appears like a crew able to erase 2021 from its reminiscence financial institution and set off on a brand new voyage with Brent Venables on the helm.
There are actually questions on this crew heading into the season, however with their additions within the switch portal, and the development of youthful gamers, these questions might be answered early within the season with their highway take a look at at Nebraska.
It might be optimistic, however this appears like a crew able to contend in 2022.
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