Despite not delivering a flawless performance, the Oklahoma Sooners made a strong impression with a dominant 48-point victory, earning a notable rise in ESPN’s updated power rankings.
The Sooners showcased impressive play on both sides of the ball, setting a positive tone for what could be a memorable season. After their convincing season opener, Oklahoma has moved into the top 15 of ESPN’s rankings.
Quarterback Jackson Arnold made a stellar debut with four touchdown passes, while the defense was particularly formidable, forcing six turnovers in their commanding win over Temple. According to ESPN’s Eli Lederman, Arnold displayed “really efficient” play, and wide receiver Deion Burks made headlines with three touchdowns before halftime, marking the fifth time a Sooner has achieved such a feat in a single half.
The Sooners’ offense benefited from the defense’s ability to create short-field situations. Despite this, they managed to score on six of their eight first-half possessions and seven of their 10 total possessions in the game, demonstrating their offensive efficiency.
However, concerns remain about the offensive line, which struggled in the opener. The return of starting right tackle Jake Taylor and the potential availability of Branson Hickman, who missed much of the game with an ankle injury, should provide some relief.
On the defensive side, Zac Alley’s unit was the standout story of the game, forcing six turnovers and sacking Temple quarterback Forrest Brock six times. The defense displayed a new level of confidence and aggression under Oklahoma’s new defensive coordinator.
While Week 1 doesn’t provide the full picture for the Sooners, their performance offers plenty of reasons for optimism as they face tougher challenges ahead.
