Again this fall, the Oklahoma Sooners will be the favorites to win the Big 12 Conference. Still, there are a couple of questions for the program entering the 2021 season.
On Wednesday’s episode of ‘College Football Live” on ESPN, 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware and former Sooner Dusty Dvoracek pinpointed the biggest question for Oklahoma this year. According to Ware, the health of star quarterback Spencer Rattler will be paramount to the team’s success. The Sooners’ quarterback depth took a hit this offseason, so keeping Rattler upright will be key.
“I’m going to go with Spencer Rattler and his health because they don’t have a whole lot behind him,” Ware said. “Tanner Mordecai transferred to SMU. Chandler Morris was a transfer to TCU. Now, it’s basically the health of Spencer Rattler. Can he stay healthy behind that offensive line that you just talked about, Dusty? That’s what their season is basically going to revolve around. Can he stay healthy and deliver in clutch moments?”
Dvoracek’s question for the Sooners tied right in with Ware’s. The former Oklahoma defensive lineman wondered whether the offensive line will be up to the task. That position group lost a couple of key pieces this offseason, and it might be one of the few areas on the roster where the Sooners aren’t completely loaded.
“I’m going to go with the offensive line,” Dvoracek said. “There’s not a lot of holes on this football team. Quarterback? Check. Running backs? Check. I think wide receiver is going to be fine. Finally, the defense might be the best piece of that football team. Alex Grinch has that defense rolling. The offensive line loses Creed Humphrey. They lose Adrian Ealy. Creed Humphrey was such a key piece at center on the interior of that offensive line.
“Last year, they took a step back, even with those guys. Bill Bedenbaugh is one of the best offensive line coaches in college football, but that’s my one area of concern heading into the season. Can that offensive line be not just good, but be dominant the way they were just a couple of seasons ago. If they can check those boxes, Oklahoma really has no flaws as you look at them right now going into the season.”
Get the fastest scores, stats, news, LIVE videos, and more. CLICK HERE to download the CBS Sports Mobile App and get the latest on your team today.
The Sooners already have eyes on another Big 12 Championship, but for the team to get back to the College Football Playoff and reach the national title game, the offensive line will need to show some growth in 2021.
