Oklahoma is lots acquainted with Dallas.
The Sooners’ annual contention with Texas is performed within the town yearly and the Dallas-Fortress Value metroplex has lengthy been essentially the most fertile recruiting grounds for the Sooners.
Tuesday used to be a special revel in for Oklahoma within the town, regardless that, because the Sooners made their approach via SEC Media Days as they get ready for his or her inaugural season within the convention.
“Completely,” linebacker Danny Stutsman stated when requested if the Sooners have been able for the SEC. “I feel it is been a very long time coming. We are in reality excited.”
The Sooners open the season Aug. 30 in opposition to Temple after which start SEC play Sept. 21 at house in opposition to Tennessee.
“Concentrate, we perceive the aggressive intensity most sensible to backside if very actual,” Oklahoma trainer Brent Venables stated. “We are gonna in finding out the place we fit up. That is what the video games are for. You work all that out at the box.”
Quarterback Jackson Arnold stated he understood the problem can be better now.
“I grew up gazing SEC ball, and simply — I do know the ones atmospheres are other, larger stadiums, extra capability,” Arnold stated. “Clearly it is going to be louder on the subject of that too, and only for our guys, it is simply giant on specializing in ourselves and simply now not at the crowd noise or any outdoor issue.”
Various weight will probably be on Arnold’s shoulders, as he steps into the beginning position after serving because the backup in the back of Dillon Gabriel ultimate season.
Tuesday morning, Stutsman labored out with Arnold and the offense ahead of making his technique to Dallas for the development.
The exercise consultation gave Stutsman a special viewpoint on Arnold.
“I simply sought after to take a seat again,” Stutsman stated. “I wasn’t as vocal as I typically used to be, simply roughly seeing how the offense does it, and the primary man to mention one thing used to be Jackson Arnold. Each unmarried day I do know that is how he’s. It used to be roughly a way of safety, like, ‘All proper, this man leads this offense.’ … He is the primary man getting everybody going, roughly being that motivation, that spark plug the offense wishes. There is no doubt in my thoughts he is the entirety that we want.”
With Arnold sliding in for Gabriel, and the Sooners’ offensive line in transition after dropping a lot of its manufacturing from ultimate yr, Oklahoma figures to lean extra closely on its protection because it strikes to the SEC.
Oklahoma’s protection allowed nearly 72 yards fewer consistent with sport ultimate yr than it did in Venables’ first season as head trainer in 2022. It additionally made strides in forcing extra turnovers.
Stutsman stated he expected any other important jump ahead this season.
“We are much more assured,” he stated. “Numerous guys know what they are doing.”
–Box Degree Media