ESPN analyst Greg McElroy's moving remarks reflect the essence of his recent review of the Oklahoma Sooners football program. Former Alabama quarterback and current college football analyst McElroy believes Oklahoma is a Big 12 hidden gem that many overlook and undervalue.
Greg McElroy drew parallels between the Sooners' current situation and a lesson gained from former Florida State head coach Willie Taggart. He stated, "And you're sitting there and you're thinking, 'Well, man, what the heck? Is this place not as good as I think it is?' And it's not real. It's all subconscious. But, there's a hurt, there's a hurt factor that affects the team."
Taggart has emphasized the importance of healing the wounds left by the departure of a former coach. McElroy believes the Sooners may have overlooked this important issue last year. He claims, "They were so focused on how we're going to tackle this like we didn't need him, but there was a hurt there that you had to acknowledge and digest."
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This reflection implies that the emotional fallout from former USC head coach Lincoln Riley's departure may have persisted and hampered the team's improvement. During Riley's career at OU, the Sooners won the Big 12 Championship Games in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Riley also leaves with a 55-10 record and the highest winning % in the program's history.
Greg McElroy also applauded the Sooners' recent self-evaluation efforts. The Sooners have made progress to fix their flaws, most notably by strengthening their defensive line of scrimmage. Oklahoma has also made savvy roster additions, including Indiana impact player Ennis Rakestraw.
While McElroy cannot guarantee Rakestraw's ability to take over games on his own, he believes the opportunity exists. With another year in the plan, the Sooners' offense is expected to thrive, providing quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the rest of the offensive unit with a more comfortable environment. McElroy adds,
"Ennis Rakestraw, that might be able to, I don't necessarily know if they'll take over games, but that ceiling exists. Now you have another year in the system in which Dillon Gabriel and company offensively are going to feel a little more comfortable."
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In summation, McElroy declares, "I think Oklahoma is a sleeping problem." While he is hesitant to label the Sooners as giants, he believes they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12. He emphasizes that the Sooners' lack of focus and pressure this season may work to their advantage. According to the CFB Analyst,
"I'm not going to call them a giant yet, right, because I think they're a sleeping problem in the Big 12 because nobody's talking about them. There's no pressure on Oklahoma this year." As the NCAA football season begins, all eyes will be on the Oklahoma Sooners, a team McElroy believes is ready for a comeback and keen to show its value in the highly competitive Big 12 league.
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Last year's season ended with the Sooners finishing 6-7. With HC Brent Venables starting his second season, they will attempt to put that behind them. His coaching, along with the talent on the roster and a relatively easy schedule, could make the Sooners a conference title contender.