The Oklahoma Sooners' 2024 football season has been nothing short of tumultuous, marked by injuries, coaching changes, and underwhelming performances on the field. What began as a hopeful season, following their 2023 campaign, quickly descended as challenges mounted against the backdrop of high expectations.
Starting the year with enthusiasm, the Sooners kicked off the season on August 30 with a resounding 51-3 victory against the Temple Owls. Yet, even this initial triumph was clouded by concerns. The offense struggled to find its rhythm, evidenced by the quiet offensive output – only 378 total yards and 158 passing yards during the game.
Oklahoma's issues primarily revolved around injuries and depth problems, especially at the wide receiver position. With veteran player Drake Stoops departing, many were ready to rely on returning athletes like Jalil Farooq and Nic Anderson to step up. Unfortunately, injuries hindered their contributions. Farooq had to navigate foot issues and was unable to shine until November, leading to his earlier promising performances being cut short. Meanwhile, Anderson missed the first three games of the season due to injury, and his subsequent health was inconsistent.
The blame for the offensive struggles can also be placed squarely on the shoulders of the offensive line. Coach Bill Bedenbaugh faced considerable turnover when OU lost several starters to the NFL and player transfers. Only eight of the 65 combined starts returned this season, forcing the Sooners to field eight different offensive line combinations within their first nine games. This lack of continuity severely hampered the offense, limiting the running game to just over 112 yards per game early on.
Adding to the turmoil was the departure of offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby to Mississippi State. Though Brent Venables considered several candidates, he promoted Seth Littrell from within. While Littrell was familiar with the team, the quarterback performance under his watch did not improve. Jackson Arnold, who replaced Dillon Gabriel, struggled significantly and was benched multiple times throughout the season.
On the other side of the ball, the Sooners’ defense proved to be more stable. Ranked 21st nationally, the defense managed to keep opponents' scoring relatively contained, allowing only 21.58 points per game. One of the standout players was sophomore linebacker Danny Stutsman, who etched his name among the top 10 on the all-time career tackles list for Oklahoma. Following his performance against Missouri, Stutsman achieved his 354th career tackle, surpassing Kevin Murphy.
Logan George, a transfer from Idaho State, also made headlines. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 259 pounds, he had been highly sought after by the Sooners alongside Ohio State and others. George recounted his visit to OU, stating, “The coaches were great. I had a great visit; it was a lot of fun. One thing [that] really stuck out to me was the chemistry.” Such enthusiasm from transfers like George signifies Oklahoma's efforts to bolster its roster for the upcoming seasons.
Despite the overwhelming issues faced during the season, including injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and problems within the offensive line, the Sooners managed to secure bowl eligibility thanks to what can only be described as sheer determination and grit. A surprising 24-3 victory over Alabama late in the season showcased the team’s resilience, allowing them to rebound from their struggles.
The team's regular season concluded with a lackluster 6-6 record, leading to questions about the program’s future direction. Attention now turns to their upcoming matchup against Navy for the Armed Forces Bowl scheduled for December 27. This bowl game presents the Sooners with the chance to finish the season on a high note laying solid groundwork for the next year.
Going forward, the Sooners will aim to address their depth issues and find stability on offense. With several players departing via the transfer portal after the 2024 season, recruiting and development will be more important than ever. The team hopes to build around promising players like Stutsman and George, as well as refine the offensive strategy going forward.
Considering the coaching changes, inefficient offense, and injury struggles, it hasn’t been easy for the Sooners this season. Nevertheless, with encouragement from their players and the fan base, Oklahoma football sets out to reclaim its status among college football’s elite. The time is ripe for reflection, and the focus now shifts to fixing the cracks exposed during this challenging season.
