10
Loading video...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Oklahoma had one of its worst losses of the season on Saturday, falling 42-25 to South Carolina at home.
The loss was especially disappointing given that the Sooners came in off a big road win at Mississippi State the week prior and were hoping to build some momentum. Instead, they were completely outplayed throughout most of the game.
Oklahoma managed just 71 total yards on offense in the first half, compared to South Carolina's 307, and went into halftime trailing 28-10. The defense also struggled, allowing LaNorris Sellers to go 19 of 24 for 301 yards and three touchdowns, along with 96 rushing yards and two rushing scores. The Sooners eventually scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, but the damage was already done by that point. The team has now dropped to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in SEC play.
Read More on NCAA
On Monday, CBS Sports reported that Oklahoma has officially fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
More news: Michigan Makes Stunning Decision That Could Spell the End for Bryce Underwood
Arbuckle is a young offensive coach who began his career in 2018 at Houston Baptist before becoming offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Seminole High School in Texas in 2020. He then joined Western Kentucky, where he helped develop now NFL quarterback Bailey Zappe, before being promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2022.
His worth there earned him an opportunity at Washington State, where he spent two seasons as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, working with future No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and Sooners QB John Mateer while overseeing one of the best passing attacks in college football. Brent Venables hired him in December 2024, hoping to bring that success to Oklahoma.
More news: Firing Head Coach Mike Norvell Comes With Insane Cost for Florida State
...
More news: Big 12 Addresses More Controversial Officiating in BYU-Arizona State Game
Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. The Sooners rank 111th nationally in total offense after Saturday's loss, and the problems have extended beyond one bad performance. The decision is also another bad look for Venables, who made the decision to bring Arbuckle to Norman and reunite him with Mateer.
Oklahoma still has four games remaining, starting with a road matchup against No. 25 Florida on Saturday. After that, the Sooners will host No. 12 Ole Miss and Texas A&M before closing out the regular season at No. 19 Missouri. It's a challenging stretch, and they would need to win at least two of those just to secure a bowl game.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines