Big 12 Football - 2021 Oklahoma Sooners Preview
Our Oklahoma Sooners preview 2021 observes that for the last six years this team has earned the Big 12 crown and from 2017-2019, they made three-straight College Football Playoff appearances. They enter this season possessing the second-longest winning streak in the nation, eight straight games, which includes the Big 12 Championship game and a 56-20 Cotton Bowl win against Florida. The Sooners have become a perennial winner, and we expect they will continue to tradition in 2021. Last season in conference they were first in three or four major offensive categories, ranking fifth in rushing. On defense they were second or third in three of four areas, coming in a weak seventh in passing yards allowed. In 2021, the Sooners were first in the Big 12 with an 8-1 mark. Their overall record was 12-1.
Oklahoma Offense
Sophomore QB Spencer Rattler returns after a freshman season that included some amazing stretches and some rough patches. Perhaps the worst game of his initial season was against unranked Kansas State where he tossed three picks. The Sooners lost that contest 35-38. Last year, Rattler tossed 28 TD passes and ran for six more scores. He allowed seven interceptions. There is good news when it comes to pass catchers, as three of the top four receivers return. Marvin Mims led the group with nine TD receptions, a 16.5 YPC average, and 610 yards. Wideout Theo Wease and tight ends Austin Stogner and Jeremiah Hall combined for a dozen more scoring catches.
Although the O-line loses some top talent to the NFL and transfers, there’s still plenty of talent, experience, and skill to ensure that the Sooners field the top unit in the Big 12. The ground game may be a tad dicey, as the top two yardage hogs from last season are gone. However, Kennedy Brooks, who opted out of last season and decided to forgo the NFL Draft this year, does return. During his college career, the running back has averaged 7.5 YPA while scoring 18 times and accumulating 2,067 yards.
Oklahoma Sooners Preview 2021 - Defense
On defense, seven starters come back with five-of-six linemen and linebackers being in the majority. Included is sack-leader defensive tackle Isaiah Thomas (8.5 SCKs). Plus, accomplished senior ILB Caleb Kelly returns and will start. Last year, second-team AP All-American OLB Nik Bonitto posted 10.5 TFL, eight sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries. Senior DeShaun White rounds out the linebacking unit.
There’s solid depth in the secondary with senior safeties Delarrin Turner-Yell and Pat Fields anchoring the group. Turner-Yell is the team’s top returning tackler with 52. The corner and nickelback spots are up for grabs. Four sophomores and two juniors are in the running. D.J. Graham and Woodi Washington started in the Cotton Bowl and are expected to earn the corner positions. Nickelback is between junior Justin Harrington and sophomore Key Lawrence.
Specialists
Wideout Marvin Mims will likely bring back kicks and punts. He’s a dynamic runner who can break one at any time. Our Oklahoma Sooners preview 2021 notes that punter Reeves Mundschau is one of the top leg men in the conference. Placekicker Gabe Brkic, who was chosen first-team All-Big 12 and earned a semifinalist spot for the Lou Groza Award, is strong and accurate. This is his junior year.
Oklahoma Sooners Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Oklahoma Sooners preview 2021 finds that this team has what it takes to win the Big 12 and get to the College Football Playoffs. There’s nary a weak spot on the Sooners. Plus, their schedule is kind. A 12-0 season is a possibility. Of course, it will help if QB Rattler retains lessons learned from last year. Better decision making is essential for him to lead this team to national prominence.
Big 12 Football - Oklahoma Sooners 2021 - Predictions:
First Place - Big 12
National Semifinal - Orange Bowl vs Clemson