Oklahoma has change into directionless below head coach Brent Venables.
Following an unpleasant 35-9 dwelling loss to South Carolina in Week 8, the low level of Venables’ three-year tenure, the Sooners are going again to quarterback Jackson Arnold.
The beginning quarterback firstly of the season, Arnold was benched within the second quarter in opposition to No. 7 Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 in SEC) in Week 4 for freshman Michael Hawkins Jr., who began the previous three video games for Oklahoma.
He had a disastrous outing in opposition to the Gamecocks, going 3-for-5 for 18 yards and three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) earlier than being pulled for Arnold.
The quarterback seesaw illustrates how aimless the Sooners have change into below Venables’ command.
It is arduous to see what the plan in Norman is apart from throwing stuff at a wall and seeing what sticks.
On Sunday, Venables fired first-year co-offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, who joined Oklahoma as an offensive assistant final yr after seven seasons as North Texas head coach (2016-22).
Returning to Arnold is one other signal that Venables does not have the solutions to the Sooners’ issues.
Oklahoma’s offense has been a serious situation, rating fifteenth within the SEC in scoring (22.1 factors per sport) and final in complete offense (288.1 yards per sport). Taking part in sizzling potato at quarterback is not enhancing issues.
With 4 video games remaining in opposition to ranked opponents, together with in Week 9 in opposition to No. 18 Ole Miss (5-2, 1-2 in SEC), the Sooners have an uphill climb to complete the season bowl-eligible.
So, describing Oklahoma (4-3, 1-3 in SEC) as directionless below Venables might need been unfair.
With none stability at quarterback, it is probably downhill from right here.