Not many Boomer Sooner fans appear to be looking forward to Alabama Football coming to town. Per FanDuel on Sunday, the Alabama Crimson Tide is a 13.5-point favorite. That is a slight dip from the 14.5-point spread from a few days ago. The Sooners had a bye week, after losing 30-23 at Missouri the week before.
A correct word for Oklahoma coach, Brent Venable's situation is 'beleagured'. There were high expectations in Norman for Venables' third Oklahoma season. No one doubts his defensive acumen but the Oklahoma offense is last in the SEC, averaging 326.8 yards per game. In the same stat, the Sooners are tied at No. 117 in the FBS.
Early last week Oklahoma President Joe Harroz and Athletic Director, Joe Castiglione gave Venables a vote of confidence. Talking about support for Venables, Harroz said, "It's unwavering right now. We know it's been a tough season. I've been around Oklahoma football for a long time. We have the right coach. This is our coach."
Venables will make staff changes and his next Offensive Coordinator will have an added burden of saving Venables head coaching career.
The Oklahoma FanSided site Stormin In Norman labels the 2024 season as one to forget. While it can't be blocked from the minds of Oklahoma fans, they are taking some consolation in how much worse Oklahoma State has done. The Cowboys are 3-7, last in the Big 12, and have not won a game since Sept. 14. That is truly a season to forget.
There has been a quarterback controversy in Norman. Fans are split over whether Jaxson Arnold or freshman Michael Hawkins gives the Sooners the best chance to win. Brent Venables was openly critical of Arnold after he lost two fumbles in the loss to Missouri. Venables said. "He's got to get better. It's unfortunate. You never like it. It affects everything you do. You have to get better at it, taking care of the ball. It's the basics. It's not anything earth-shattering."
Many Oklahoma fans don't want Arnold to return next season. Arnold may not want to return anyway because blame for the Oklahoma offense should be shared. One example is the nine sacks the Sooners allowed against Ole Miss. Some were on Arnold, but several were not.
The situation in Norman is ill-suited to upsetting an improved Alabama Crimson Tide.