**Report Card: Oklahoma Vs. Ole Miss**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Report Card: Oklahoma vs. Ole Miss

The 2023 season opener for the Oklahoma Sooners was a rollercoaster of emotions. A nail-biting, back-and-forth battle against the Ole Miss Rebels ended in a 31-24 overtime victory for the Sooners. While the win is a positive start, the performance left fans and analysts alike with mixed feelings. Let's break down the game with a detailed report card.

Offense: B+

The Good:

• Dillon Gabriel's Return: The veteran quarterback looked sharp, completing 21 of 30 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns. He showcased his ability to extend plays and make accurate throws, demonstrating the leadership that Oklahoma needs.
• Emerging Running Backs: The absence of Eric Gray opened the door for a trio of running backs to step up. Gavin Sawchuk, Jovantae Barnes, and Trey Millard combined for 143 rushing yards and a touchdown.
• Tight End Production: The Sooners received a much-needed boost from their tight ends. Brayden Willis and Kaden Helms both found the endzone, showcasing their reliable hands and ability to create mismatches.

The Bad:

• Red Zone Efficiency: Oklahoma struggled to convert in the red zone, settling for three field goals instead of touchdowns. This left points on the field and hindered the Sooners' ability to build a commanding lead.
• Turnovers: While Gabriel's performance was overall strong, he threw an interception in the fourth quarter, which put Ole Miss in a position to tie the game.

Defense: C+

The Good:

• Playmakers Emerged: Linebacker Dasan McCullough showcased his athleticism, making crucial tackles and contributing to the defensive effort.
• Improved Pass Rush: The Sooners managed to generate some pressure on Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, registering three sacks.

The Bad:

• Missed Tackles: The defense struggled with tackling consistency, allowing Ole Miss to gain yards after contact and extend drives.
• Secondary Struggles: Ole Miss's receiving corps exploited the Sooners' secondary, racking up over 300 passing yards. Oklahoma's defensive backs looked vulnerable to deep passes and struggled to cover in man-to-man situations.

Special Teams: A-

The Good:

• Field Goal Accuracy: Oklahoma's kicker, Zach Schmit, was perfect on all three of his field goal attempts, including the game-winning kick in overtime.
• Punt Returner: The punt return game was solid, with Jacob Muller showcasing a potential for big plays.

The Bad:

• Kickoff Coverage: Ole Miss managed to gain some yards on kickoff returns, a concern that needs to be addressed going forward.

Coaching: B

The Good:

• Gameplan Execution: Head coach Brent Venables' game plan was sound and allowed the Sooners to control the tempo of the game for long stretches.
• Adjustments: Venables made adjustments at halftime, particularly on defense, which allowed the Sooners to get back into the game.

The Bad:

• Red Zone Inconsistency: The inability to consistently find the endzone in the red zone was a glaring issue. Venables and his offensive staff need to find solutions to improve their red zone efficiency.

Overall: B-

The season opener against Ole Miss was a mixed bag for Oklahoma. While the win is encouraging, the performance revealed areas where the Sooners need to improve. The offense showed promise, but red zone struggles need to be addressed. The defense showcased potential playmakers but needs to tighten up tackling and improve coverage in the secondary. The coaching staff's ability to make adjustments and the overall talent of the team bode well for the future.

With a long season ahead, the Sooners have time to refine their game and build on this encouraging opening performance. The road to a successful season will require consistent improvement and a continued focus on fundamental execution.