Head Coach Brent Venables is known for his defensive prowess, and in 2024, his Oklahoma Sooners’ defense has the potential to be a force. Here are three key questions that will determine their success:
1. Can the Secondary Take the Next Step?
While the experience of veterans like Woodi Washington and the return of ball-hawking safety Billy Bowman Jr. is a positive sign, the secondary needs to improve its consistency. Injuries played a role in 2023, but the Sooners need better overall play from their defensive backs. Can the addition of transfer Dez Malone from San Diego State provide a much-needed boost? How will the unit stay healthy and avoid the lapses that plagued them at times last season?
2. Will the Pass Rush Live Up to the Hype?
The return of key linebackers like Danny Stutsman provides a strong foundation, but the defensive line needs to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The addition of transfer Damonic Williams, who excels at clogging the middle, is a significant upgrade. Can Williams and the rest of the defensive line create enough pressure to disrupt opposing offenses and free up the linebackers to make plays?
3. Can This Unit Compete in the SEC?
The Big 12 and the SEC are different beasts. Oklahoma’s defense showed improvement in 2023, but the competition in the SEC is on another level. How will this unit adjust to facing offenses with elite quarterbacks and skill players on a weekly basis? Will the experience and leadership of returning starters like Stutsman and Bowman be enough to guide the Sooners’ defense through the gauntlet of the SEC schedule?
With a strong core of returning starters, key transfers, and the coaching of Brent Venables, the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense has the potential to be elite in 2024. However, addressing these questions will be crucial in determining their success in the competitive landscape of the SEC.
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