It is finally football time in Oklahoma as the Sooners will take on the Green Wave in Norman on Saturday.
As a former college quarterback myself, I’ve always found the position to be the most fascinating one in the sport. There are many different aspects that make a great quarterback. Being able to throw a football is just the beginning of it. The mental aspect, physical demand, and pressure of leading a football team are equally as important.
This college football season I’ve decided to break down the quarterback matchup for each week. We will start with Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler and then move on to the opposing quarterback.
Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler was one of the most talked about names in college football a year ago as a freshman. Coming into this season, he is without a doubt one of the biggest names in football in general. The expectations are through the roof for the 20 year old kid from Phoenix.
As a freshman he recorded 28 passing touchdowns, 6 rushing touchdowns, and threw only 7 interceptions. He also led the Sooners to another Big 12 Championship and a win in the Cotton Bowl over Florida.
We already know about the athletic ability and strong arm that Rattler brings to the table. But, I have many questions about the other aspects of his game. Throughout the season we will keep an eye on how he is improving in certain areas from a year ago.
I’d like to see how he handles controversy in 2021. What happens when things aren’t going the Sooners way? Will he be composed enough to be the leader this team needs?
I have no doubt that Rattler can be that guy for Oklahoma. I think we will see a special season and one that Oklahoma fans won’t forget for quite some time. It’s all going to start on Saturday as the Sooners are playing a team that finished 77th in overall defense last year. This offense should have no issues moving the ball.
I really don’t expect Lincoln Riley to move the ball through the air a ton, because I think the Sooners have a lot to figure out as far as depth goes at the running back position. That being said, I do think Rattler will get his opportunities to show the improvements made during the off-season.
Michael Pratt
Michael Pratt came out of nowhere a year ago as a true freshman. He wasn’t the starter for Tulane in the season opener, but he ended up playing in 10 games for the year and starting in 9 of them.
He threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. The 20 touchdowns were the most for any true freshman quarterback in the nation.
The Sooners aren’t playing against a scrub on Saturday, Michael Pratt is the real deal. He also recorded at least one touchdown pass in every game he played in last year. If Oklahoma gives him time to get comfortable, he has the talent to make this game interesting.
He also has the ability to be a threat with his feet. He rushed for 229 yards and 8 touchdowns last season. It will be interesting to see how Pratt handles the pressure of playing a team like Oklahoma. Although he got some experience last year, he is still a young guy walking into a big time game for the Green Wave.
Rattler Will Be The Star Saturday
The bottom line is that Spencer Rattler will steal the show on Saturday. The Sooners have too much speed on offense for the Green Wave to handle defensively. As for Michael Pratt, I think he will have his moments but ultimately the offensive line isn’t going to hold up well enough for him to be a major factor in this game.