Assessing 2023 Oklahoma Sooners Stats: A Return to Form?

The Oklahoma Sooners had high expectations heading into last season. Instead, the team’s loss in the Cheez-It Bowl gave the Sooners their first losing season since 1998. Oklahoma’s 6-7 record wasn’t expected from the team predicted to win the Big 12 Conference. But coach Brent Venables returns plenty of talent. The expectations aren’t as high for the Sooners, and they could surprise, with the 2023 Oklahoma Sooners stats much better than a year ago.

Oklahoma Sooners At A Glance

Softer Schedule and Better Luck Keys to Rebound Season

The Sooners weren’t much better than an average football team last season. Instead of contending for the conference title as expected, Oklahoma was near the bottom of the Big 12 Conference NCAAF standings. A defense that allowed 6.06 yards per carry played a large part. But the Sooners were also 0-5 in one-score games. A break here or there could have seen Oklahoma pick up a couple of more victories.

The Sooners can’t do anything about last season’s bad breaks. But they can do something about last year’s bad rush defense. And they did. Oklahoma was busy adding defensive players from the transfer portal and landed a couple of good ones. Da’Jon Terry, from Tennessee, will help up front, as should Rondell Bothroyd, who came over from Wake Forest, where he is No. 7 on the team’s all-time sack list.

Oklahoma also looked to the transfer portal for help at wide receiver after losing Marvin Mims. Whoever the Sooners decide to start at receiver will benefit from having quarterback Dillon Gabriel back. Gabriel threw for 25 touchdowns a year ago, and the 2023 Oklahoma Sooners stats should show some improvement with a year under Venables. Second-leading rusher Jovantae Barnes is back and should assume a larger role.

The Sooners avoid Texas Tech, Kansas State, and Baylor on the schedule this season. But Oklahoma also gets several of its toughest games at home. UCF and TCU both travel to Norman, Oklahoma. The game against Texas will be played in Dallas, as usual. The Big 12 Conference was kind to the Sooners in the scheduling department.

National Championship Odds: Sooners a Stretch to Win Title

While the Sooners should be an improved program, winning the national championship would be a huge jump from last year’s losing record. It’s likely asking too much from the Sooners. Oklahoma was +3500 to win the title last year and is at more realistic odds of +6000 this season. The Sooners have to defeat Texas to have any hope of advancing to the playoffs. The early college football point spreads had the Longhorns favored by four points.

Conference Odds: Sooners Pose Biggest Threat to Longhorns

The Sooners were the Big 12 Conference favorites last season at odds of +175. The Sooners take a backseat to the Longhorns this season, with Texas solid favorites to win the conference. But the Sooners are a solid second choice at odds of +350. The Red River Showdown in Dallas on Oct. 7 could very well decide the conference.

Regular Season Wins: Oklahoma Needs Massive Jump

After winning just six games in 2022, it will take a good-sized jump in the standings to exceed 9.5 wins this season. But it’s entirely possible. The schedule can’t be overlooked, and the Sooners may be favored in every game except against Texas. The Sooners can’t afford letdowns or stumble along the way if they want to reach 10 victories. Much of that will be decided by how well the defense improves against the run. If the 2023 Oklahoma Sooners stats show big improvement against the run, this team could surprise several people.

Oklahoma’s offense will be one of the best in the Big 12 Conference. If the Sooners aren’t asked to score 40 points every week, they will win their share of games. Catching a few breaks along the way this year will also go a long way in getting Oklahoma back to double-digit victories.

To Make Playoffs: Sooners Still on the Outside

Last season the Sooners were at odds of +500 to make the playoffs. This year, they’re off the board. It will take a lot for Oklahoma to reach the playoffs, but stranger things have happened in college football. Oklahoma could find itself in the playoffs, but it will likely take a win over Texas and an undefeated season to do so.

For NCAAF betting news, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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