I like them predicting the Horn win but not sure I agree with others.
The time for talk is nearly over. We've reached the point of the offseason where opening weekend becomes as highly anticipated as Christmas. That first Saturday morning on the college football schedule is a gift after nine long months of the offseason.
Much like last year, but for a different reason, the Oklahoma Sooners have a lot to prove in 2024. Entering 2023, the Sooners were coming off of a 6-7 season in year one under Brent Venables. The perception is more positive ahead of year three after a 10-3 year in 2023. However, with Oklahoma's move to the SEC, new challenges await and the Sooners have to prove to the nation they're still one of the top programs in college football.
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Will they be "SEC ready" or "the next Nebraska?" That's what everyone is waiting with bated breath to see of the Sooners.
Oklahoma's got a lot going for it, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where they have one of the SEC's best programs. Offensively, there's a lot of talent, but that talent has to prove ready to roll.
As we do every preseason and each week during the season, let's take a look at how the ESPN Matchup Predictor views the Sooners in a game-by-game look. ESPN analytics runs thousands of simulations of each game in the preseason and updates the simulations with the data from each game to spit out updated win probabilities.
Let's take a look at how the Oklahoma Sooners fared.
Dec 28, 2023; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Gavin Sawchuk (27) runs the ball in the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 98.7%
All-Time Series: Tied 1-1
Projected running record: 1-0
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 92.3%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 3-1
Projected running record: 2-0
Sep 4, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Kennedy Brooks (26) runs with the ball as Tulane Green Wave linebacker Nick Anderson (1) chases during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 91%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 2-0
Projected running record: 3-0
Sep 12, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) scores the winning touchdown in double overtime against the Tennessee Volunteers Neyland Stadium. Oklahoma won in double overtime 31-24. Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 59.9%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 3-1
Projected running record: 4-0
Get more Tennessee Volunteers news, analysis, and opinions on VolsWire
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) looks for running room against the Auburn Tigers in the third quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 62%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 2-0
Projected running record: 5-0
Get more Auburn Tigers news, analysis, and opinions on AuburnWire.
Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Seth Littrell is pictured football practice in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman© Sooners Wire
A 5-0 start with wins over Tennessee and Auburn would be huge for the Sooners and would likely push them into the top 10 ahead of the Red River Showdown.
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) celebrates a touchdown beside Texas Longhorns defensive back Jerrin Thompson (28) late in the fourth quarter during the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Texas (UT) Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Oklahoma won 34-30. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Texas
Sooners Win Probability: 34.6%
All-Time Series: Texas leads 63-51-5
Projected running record: 5-1
Get more Texas Longhorns news, analysis, and opinions on Longhorns Wire.
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Shane Beamer of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 81.3%
All-Time Series: No Previous Matchups
Projected running record: 6-1
Nov 4, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) and Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin (right) react after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 53.5%
All-Time Series: Ole Miss leads 1-0
Projected running record: 7-1
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (10) warms up before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Oklahoma won 69-45. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 98.8%
All-Time Series: No Previous Matchups
Projected running record: 8-1
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Missouri
Sooners Win Probability: 45.8%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 67-24-5
Projected running record: 8-2
![Peyton Bowen works on defense as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) college football team holds spring practice outside of Gaylord Family/Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on March 21, 2023 in Norman, Okla. [Steve Sisney/For The Oklahoman]](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fimg-s-msn-com.akamaized.net%2Ftenant%2Famp%2Fentityid%2FAA1oJUDe.img%3Fw%3D768%26h%3D475%26m%3D6&hash=5c156a71d79d4351be93bad9d5f82f62 "Peyton Bowen works on defense as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) college football team holds spring practice outside of Gaylord Family/Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on March 21, 2023 in Norman, Okla. [Steve Sisney/For The Oklahoman]")
Peyton Bowen works on defense as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) college football team holds spring practice outside of Gaylord Family/Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on March 21, 2023 in Norman, Okla. [Steve Sisney/For The Oklahoman]© Sooners Wire
Entering their second bye week at 8-2 would put the Sooners in the playoff chase with two games left. A loss to Missouri with games against Alabama and at LSU remaining would be disappointing.
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners congratulates Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide after Alabama Crimson Tide defeat the Oklahoma Sooners 45-34 to win the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Predicted Winner: Alabama
Sooners Win Probability: 48.8%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 3-2-1
Projected running record: 8-3
Get more Alabama Crimson Tide news, analysis, and opinions on RollTideWire.
Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores a touchdown ahead of LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during the third quarter of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 52.4%
All-Time Series: LSU leads 2-1
Projected running record: 9-3
Get more LSU Tigers news, analysis, and opinions on LSUTigersWire.
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; A general view of the Capitol One and College Football Playoff (CFP) logo on the field during the Rose Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
At 9-3 with losses to Texas, Missouri, and Alabama, the Sooners would miss out on the SEC title game in year one. But they'll be a fringe playoff team, especially with road wins over Ole Miss, Auburn, and LSU.
That would be a solid season for Brent Venables and his coaching staff to build upon, but could potentially feel disappointing if they miss out on a playoff berth.
Related video: Sooners, Cowboys enter 2024 season in middle of the pack of AP Top 25 (KOCO Oklahoma City)
Yes, he has Abigail Ogle here in studio with us
KOCO Oklahoma City
Sooners, Cowboys enter 2024 season in middle of the pack of AP Top 25
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Sooners game-by-game picks from ESPN Matchup Predictor
The time for talk is nearly over. We've reached the point of the offseason where opening weekend becomes as highly anticipated as Christmas. That first Saturday morning on the college football schedule is a gift after nine long months of the offseason.
Much like last year, but for a different reason, the Oklahoma Sooners have a lot to prove in 2024. Entering 2023, the Sooners were coming off of a 6-7 season in year one under Brent Venables. The perception is more positive ahead of year three after a 10-3 year in 2023. However, with Oklahoma's move to the SEC, new challenges await and the Sooners have to prove to the nation they're still one of the top programs in college football.
EtsyNursery Prints Ocean Animals Under The Sea Nursery Prints Nautical Ocean Animal Posters Boy Nursery Prints Set Sea Animal Wall Art Gift
Ad
Will they be "SEC ready" or "the next Nebraska?" That's what everyone is waiting with bated breath to see of the Sooners.
Oklahoma's got a lot going for it, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where they have one of the SEC's best programs. Offensively, there's a lot of talent, but that talent has to prove ready to roll.
As we do every preseason and each week during the season, let's take a look at how the ESPN Matchup Predictor views the Sooners in a game-by-game look. ESPN analytics runs thousands of simulations of each game in the preseason and updates the simulations with the data from each game to spit out updated win probabilities.
Let's take a look at how the Oklahoma Sooners fared.
August 30: vs. Temple Owls
Dec 28, 2023; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Gavin Sawchuk (27) runs the ball in the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 98.7%
All-Time Series: Tied 1-1
Projected running record: 1-0
September 7: vs. Houston Cougars
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 92.3%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 3-1
Projected running record: 2-0
September 14: vs. Tulane Green Wave
Sep 4, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Kennedy Brooks (26) runs with the ball as Tulane Green Wave linebacker Nick Anderson (1) chases during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 91%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 2-0
Projected running record: 3-0
September 21: vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Sep 12, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) scores the winning touchdown in double overtime against the Tennessee Volunteers Neyland Stadium. Oklahoma won in double overtime 31-24. Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 59.9%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 3-1
Projected running record: 4-0
Get more Tennessee Volunteers news, analysis, and opinions on VolsWire
September 28: at Auburn Tigers
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) looks for running room against the Auburn Tigers in the third quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 62%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 2-0
Projected running record: 5-0
Get more Auburn Tigers news, analysis, and opinions on AuburnWire.
Bye Week
Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Seth Littrell is pictured football practice in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman© Sooners Wire
A 5-0 start with wins over Tennessee and Auburn would be huge for the Sooners and would likely push them into the top 10 ahead of the Red River Showdown.
October 12: vs. Texas Longhorns (Cotton Bowl)
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) celebrates a touchdown beside Texas Longhorns defensive back Jerrin Thompson (28) late in the fourth quarter during the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Texas (UT) Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Oklahoma won 34-30. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Texas
Sooners Win Probability: 34.6%
All-Time Series: Texas leads 63-51-5
Projected running record: 5-1
Get more Texas Longhorns news, analysis, and opinions on Longhorns Wire.
October 19: vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Shane Beamer of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 81.3%
All-Time Series: No Previous Matchups
Projected running record: 6-1
October 26: at Ole Miss Rebels
Nov 4, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) and Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin (right) react after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 53.5%
All-Time Series: Ole Miss leads 1-0
Projected running record: 7-1
November 2: vs. Maine Black Bears
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (10) warms up before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Oklahoma won 69-45. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 98.8%
All-Time Series: No Previous Matchups
Projected running record: 8-1
November 9: at Missouri Tigers
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Missouri
Sooners Win Probability: 45.8%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 67-24-5
Projected running record: 8-2
November 16: Bye Week
Peyton Bowen works on defense as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) college football team holds spring practice outside of Gaylord Family/Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on March 21, 2023 in Norman, Okla. [Steve Sisney/For The Oklahoman]© Sooners Wire
Entering their second bye week at 8-2 would put the Sooners in the playoff chase with two games left. A loss to Missouri with games against Alabama and at LSU remaining would be disappointing.
November 23: vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners congratulates Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide after Alabama Crimson Tide defeat the Oklahoma Sooners 45-34 to win the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Predicted Winner: Alabama
Sooners Win Probability: 48.8%
All-Time Series: Oklahoma leads 3-2-1
Projected running record: 8-3
Get more Alabama Crimson Tide news, analysis, and opinions on RollTideWire.
November 30: at LSU Tigers
Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores a touchdown ahead of LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during the third quarter of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Sooners Win Probability: 52.4%
All-Time Series: LSU leads 2-1
Projected running record: 9-3
Get more LSU Tigers news, analysis, and opinions on LSUTigersWire.
Postseason
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; A general view of the Capitol One and College Football Playoff (CFP) logo on the field during the Rose Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports© Sooners Wire
At 9-3 with losses to Texas, Missouri, and Alabama, the Sooners would miss out on the SEC title game in year one. But they'll be a fringe playoff team, especially with road wins over Ole Miss, Auburn, and LSU.
That would be a solid season for Brent Venables and his coaching staff to build upon, but could potentially feel disappointing if they miss out on a playoff berth.
Yes, he has Abigail Ogle here in studio with us
Sooners, Cowboys enter 2024 season in middle of the pack of AP Top 25
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Sooners game-by-game picks from ESPN Matchup Predictor
