The polls are starting to roll out and Oklahoma finds itself in a favorable position once again. The Sooners made their debut at #6 in the initial USA Today Coaches Poll released on Thursday. Just barely behind defending national champion LSU, Oklahoma is also looking up at #4 Georgia, #3 Alabama, #2 Ohio State and #1 Clemson.
The Sooners are one of four Big 12 programs ranked in the Top 25 and the only one in the Top 10. Texas checks in at #14, Oklahoma State is #16, and Iowa State rounds out the poll at #25. Of those three, I think Oklahoma State has the strongest argument to be higher. The Cowboys are loaded with offensive skill position players, led by Heisman candidate Chuba Hubbard, and should be a better defensive team in 2020.
My initial feeling is that Oklahoma is right where it needs to be. The Sooners are breaking in a new quarterback and also have a young crop of receivers stepping into the spotlight. LSU ousted OU, in a big way, from last year’s College Football Playoff and while I expect the Tigers to take more than just one step backwards this fall, I can’t really complain about the defending national champions starting at #5.
Coaches Poll
Follow us on Twitter: @SportsHeartland