While the Oklahoma Sooners remain undefeated at 2-0, the mood among fans suggests a much more troubling outlook. The reaction from the crowd during Saturday night’s narrow 16-12 victory over the Houston Cougars, one of the weaker teams in the Power Four, reflected their deep dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
Despite securing the win, the Sooners’ lackluster offensive display left fans feeling as if they had lost. The defense and special teams played pivotal roles, but the offense, which was expected to be a major strength this season, has been underwhelming.
Heading into the 2024 season, there were high expectations for the offense due to significant changes, including the hiring of new offensive coordinator Seth Littrell and the addition of key transfers and recruits. Deion Burks, a transfer from Purdue, had already shown promising chemistry with quarterback Jackson Arnold, and the wide receiver corps was believed to be among the best on paper.
However, these expectations have yet to be met. Even in their 51-3 win over the Temple Owls, the offense struggled, and last week’s shrug-off from Arnold with a “Who cares?” response didn’t help. This week, the fans made their feelings clear with boos directed at the offense, which has been a rare sight in recent years.
The offense’s inefficiency has been a major concern, highlighted by a troubling 5-26 third-down conversion rate across two games. Last season, the Sooners boasted the eighth-best third-down conversion rate at 48%. This year’s performance starkly contrasts that success. Additionally, the offense’s struggles in the red zone, such as running a quarterback draw on a crucial third-and-11, have further fueled frustration.
Last season, the Sooners scored 101 points in their first two games, compared to just 69 this year. The performance on Saturday included six three-and-outs, underscoring the offense’s ongoing issues. Fans’ discontent is palpable, and unless the Sooners can address these concerns swiftly, they risk further alienating their supporters and jeopardizing their season.
