It is going to be a big-time SEC matchup for the undefeated No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners of their second season within the convention.
Up first on the SEC slate is one other undefeated group, No. 22 Auburn Tigers.
Below any regular circumstance, this sport in Norman on Saturday could be an enormous college football contest, however there’s an added storyline on this matchup that is going to make all of it value tuning in to see
Auburn’s quarterback, Jackson Arnold, began the 2024 season as Oklahoma’s beginning quarterback. He is a former five-star recruit from the Dallas-Fort Value space who cheered for the Sooners rising up. He was so jazzed about his supply from Oklahoma that he was dedicated for nearly two years earlier than signing day. That is an eternity on the school soccer recruiting path, however Arnold and the Sooners appeared to be a match made in soccer heaven.
After which, Arnold struggled when he acquired his likelihood to be the starter in 2024. A lot in order that head coach Brent Venables, at one level, even benched him.
That in the end led to a disappointing 6-7 marketing campaign for the Sooners of their first SEC go-around, and it led to Arnold transferring to Auburn.
And now, the 2 events will reunite once more, however Venables is making an attempt to downplay the second.
Venables says it is not Oklahoma vs. Arnold
“It’s not about Jackson in any respect,” Venables mentioned earlier within the week on his coach’s present, based on John Williams of Sooners Wire. “Actually, we recognize his time right here and the issues he was capable of accomplish whereas he was right here. Love him, love his household, (mom) Sharon and (father) Todd, they’re nice folks.”
Oklahoma is just not going out to attempt to show a degree in opposition to Arnold, particularly. Sure, the Sooners seem like in a a lot better place with John Mateer operating the offense alongside new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, however soccer is a group sport.
Venables appears to be publicly reminding his group to remain targeted on that time.
“That is about Oklahoma vs Auburn this week,” Venables mentioned. “There will probably be an Auburn quarterback, and he’s very proficient, as we all know. However that is, for us, to discover a strategy to get a win this week in our opener right here within the SEC.”
It doesn’t matter what he says, although, you’ll be able to guess gamers on the Sooners’ sideline will really feel the complexities of the second. A lot of them skilled alongside Arnold for 2 seasons.
Arnold nonetheless has supporters on the Oklahoma sideline
“It’s going to be fairly loopy,” operating again Jovantae Barnes mentioned. “We have been in a backfield collectively, we have been right here for 2 years collectively. I’m happy with him and the place he’s at proper now, and it’s going to be fairly enjoyable.”
