When Lincoln Riley and Oklahoma football started out the season 1-2, most believed it was time for a new king in the Big 12 conference. Until after the four-overtime win against Texas, the Sooners would not lose another game all season. The defense seemed to improve every game especially on the defensive line. After the return of Ronnie Perkins, the rest of the unit including Perrion Winfrey, Isaiah Thomas and Nik Bonnito were problems up front. By the end of the season this defense was only allowing 21 points per game and 239 total yards per game.
Alex Grinch brought a different attitude to this Oklahoma defense and brought the pressure, which took a lot of weight off of the secondary. Spencer Rattler also really settled in after the first few games. After throwing four interceptions in the first four games, Rattler found his groove throwing over 3,000 yards with 28 touchdowns. Rattler proved he is a great passer and is even better outside the pocket. Rattler could have had six more touchdowns added to his 28. Oklahoma led college football in passes dropped in the end zone.
The addition of Rhamondre Stevenson also proved extremely valuable for the Sooners. Stevenson finished with 665 yards off of 101 carries followed by seven touchdowns. Stevenson averaged nearly seven yards per carry. Stevenson and Perkins proved that Oklahoma did not have all of its team during the first three games.
The offense was averaging 43 points per game with 473 total yards. Riley has not lost his touch and will have nearly the same team next year, which for the Big 12 and college football, is a scary thought.
The 2020 season was a different type of year anyways, right? It was the pandemic year where everyone gets a chance at a do-over the next season if they chose to opt out or do not play to their standards or even injuries. For the Sooners, it was just another year with more obstacles. Oklahoma’s last eight games showed the Big 12 and college football the Sooners are a real threat in 2021. Rattler is even the favorite to win the Heisman next year.
Oklahoma is returning much of its offense and defense. A few key players decided to declare for the draft and will surely be missed with Perkins, Stevenson, center Creed Humphrey, offensive tackle Adrian Ealy and defensive back Tre Brown. These are big shoes to fill in these positions for the Sooners before next season. Other than this and a couple transfers, nearly the entire offense and defense for Oklahoma will be back and way more prepared and experienced as well as hopefully not having to try this again during a pandemic.
The offseason will be busy for Sooner coaches and fans as the transfer portal is heating up with some big name players making their decision. Keep an eye on what Riley and Oklahoma does because they could add some serious weapons offensively and defensively. I can confidently say the Sooners will make a title run here in the next two years.
Hi there! My name is John Barry. I am a sports journalist at the University of Oklahoma and will be giving you updates and inside scoops on all things Sooners. Have a question or story? Email me @john.f.barry-1@ou.edu