Paul Finebaum cites the Oklahoma Sooners as a significant letdown for 2024.

When Paul Finebaum speaks, college football fans listen. As one of the most influential voices in the sport, Finebaum’s opinions hold weight, particularly when it comes to the expectations surrounding high-profile programs like the Oklahoma Sooners. In recent weeks, Finebaum has expressed concerns about Oklahoma’s prospects in 2024, calling them a “significant letdown” for the upcoming season. This statement has sent ripples through the college football world, prompting fans and analysts alike to reassess where Oklahoma stands as they head into another year of high expectations.

The Oklahoma Sooners, a program with a rich tradition and championship pedigree, have faced a series of challenges over the past few seasons. The transition from Lincoln Riley to Brent Venables as head coach, coupled with the looming move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), has created uncertainty and raised questions about the program’s future trajectory. While Oklahoma remains a major player in college football, Finebaum’s comments suggest that the Sooners may fall short of the lofty expectations placed upon them in 2024.

This article will explore Finebaum’s assessment of the Oklahoma Sooners, examining the reasons behind his prediction of disappointment and what factors could contribute to Oklahoma being a “significant letdown” in 2024. From coaching changes to roster concerns to broader program dynamics, we will break down the key issues that could hold the Sooners back in the upcoming season.

The Rise and Fall of Oklahoma Football

Before diving into Finebaum’s critique, it’s important to understand the recent trajectory of the Oklahoma football program. Historically, Oklahoma has been one of the most successful and consistent programs in college football. The Sooners have won multiple national championships and have had a steady stream of high-profile players and coaches. From the days of Barry Switzer to Bob Stoops’ long tenure as head coach, Oklahoma has built a reputation for explosive offense and national relevance.

However, in recent years, the Sooners have experienced some turbulence. The departure of longtime head coach Bob Stoops in 2017 marked the beginning of a new era under Lincoln Riley. Riley brought Oklahoma to new heights offensively, establishing the program as a perennial College Football Playoff (CFP) contender. During his time in Norman, Riley produced Heisman-winning quarterbacks and built one of the most high-powered offenses in the country. However, despite this offensive success, the Sooners’ defense continued to be a weak point, often allowing them to fall short in critical postseason games.

In 2021, after Riley bolted for the USC job, Oklahoma made a dramatic coaching change, hiring Brent Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson. Venables was seen as the perfect choice to restore Oklahoma’s defensive integrity and balance out the team’s explosive offense. However, his first season as head coach in 2022 was underwhelming, as the Sooners finished with a mediocre 6-7 record. The defensive struggles persisted, and Venables found himself under pressure to turn the program around quickly.

As Oklahoma prepares for 2024, they face a critical juncture in their program’s history. The Sooners are making the transition from the Big 12 to the SEC, and with that comes an entirely new set of challenges. They need to prove that they can compete at the highest level, not only within their own conference but also on the national stage. This is where Finebaum’s concerns come into play.

Paul Finebaum’s Critique of Oklahoma’s 2024 Prospects

Paul Finebaum’s comments about Oklahoma’s 2024 season should not be taken lightly. As a long-time commentator and analyst, Finebaum is known for his blunt assessments and fearless opinions. When he labels a program as a “significant letdown,” it’s not a critique to be dismissed easily. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors that may contribute to Finebaum’s prediction that Oklahoma will fall short in 2024.

1. The Transition Under Brent Venables

While the hiring of Brent Venables was met with optimism, the reality of his first two seasons at Oklahoma has been mixed. Venables inherited a program with a high ceiling but one that had been plagued by defensive inefficiencies under Riley. Venables was expected to bring a toughness and defensive discipline that had been missing, but his efforts in his inaugural season did not yield immediate results. The Sooners’ defense continued to underperform, and the offense, while still potent, could not carry the team in key moments.

Venables, known for his work at Clemson, has a track record of building elite defenses, but the adjustment to head coaching duties at Oklahoma has been challenging. Finebaum’s skepticism may stem from the fact that Venables still has a lot to prove, particularly in terms of getting the best out of his roster and creating a balanced team capable of competing for championships. Oklahoma’s defensive issues have not been fully addressed, and there’s a sense of urgency around Venables’ ability to fix these problems before the Sooners move to the SEC.

While the Sooners are certainly capable of improving under Venables, the timeline for that improvement might be longer than some had anticipated. With 2024 being a pivotal year in Venables’ tenure, the pressure will be on for him to deliver results. If he can’t get the defense to the level expected of a program like Oklahoma, it’s hard to see how they can compete for the Big 12 title, let alone make a legitimate run at a national championship.

2. Defensive Inconsistencies

As mentioned, Oklahoma’s defense has been a recurring point of concern for several seasons. Under Riley, the offense often masked the defensive shortcomings, but in big games, the lack of a reliable defense became a glaring issue. Venables was brought in to fix this, but in his first two years as head coach, Oklahoma’s defense has remained inconsistent. Whether it’s issues in the secondary, poor tackling, or an inability to stop the run, the Sooners have failed to consistently compete on that side of the ball.

In 2024, it is expected that Venables will have more talent and depth at his disposal, but the transition from being a coordinator to a head coach can be a difficult one. Finebaum’s skepticism likely stems from the reality that while Venables is a proven defensive mastermind, the challenges he faces at Oklahoma are much different than what he encountered at Clemson. The competition in the Big 12 has been one thing, but once the Sooners enter the SEC, they will face far more formidable offenses week in and week out.

If Oklahoma’s defense doesn’t take a major step forward in 2024, it could set them up for another disappointing season. Finebaum has pointed to this as a key factor that will prevent the Sooners from living up to their potential. The offensive firepower is there, but unless the defense can improve, Oklahoma will struggle to keep pace with the nation’s elite.

3. The Move to the SEC

Perhaps the most significant challenge facing the Sooners in 2024 is their impending move to the Southeastern Conference. Oklahoma’s decision to join the SEC, along with Texas, was a monumental shift in the college football landscape, one that has sent shockwaves through the sport. While the SEC is widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, it also represents a whole new level of competition for Oklahoma.

In the Big 12, Oklahoma has long been a dominant force. They have faced tough teams, but for the most part, the Sooners have been the top dog. In the SEC, however, Oklahoma will be entering a conference filled with juggernauts like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M. The physicality and depth of the SEC will be an entirely new challenge for the Sooners, and Finebaum has suggested that Oklahoma may not be fully prepared for this jump in 2024.

While the Sooners have recruited well and have a strong tradition, the transition to the SEC is not something that can be taken lightly. It will take time to adjust to the level of competition, and Finebaum’s concern is that Oklahoma’s 2024 season will be a wake-up call. If the Sooners are not able to match the intensity and physicality of SEC teams, they could struggle mightily in their inaugural season in the conference.

4. Quarterback Play and Offensive Balance

Oklahoma has been fortunate to have some of the best quarterbacks in college football history, including Heisman winners Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts. However, in 2024, the Sooners face a bit of uncertainty at the quarterback position. While Dillon Gabriel is a capable quarterback, there are concerns about his ability to lead Oklahoma to a championship-level season. Gabriel has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also been inconsistent at times.

In addition to quarterback play, Finebaum’s concerns about Oklahoma’s offensive balance could also be a factor. The Sooners have been known for their explosive passing game, but they have often been too one-dimensional. If the Sooners can’t establish a more balanced offense with a stronger rushing attack, they could struggle to keep up with SEC defenses that are more physical and more well-rounded than what they have faced in the Big 12.

 Is 2024 the Year of Disappointment for Oklahoma?

Paul Finebaum’s assessment of the Oklahoma Sooners as a potential “significant letdown” in 2024 is rooted in a series of valid concerns. The transition under Brent Venables has not been as smooth as many had hoped, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The move to the SEC is a daunting challenge, and Oklahoma will need to adjust quickly to the increased competition. While the Sooners have talent, they also have significant questions to answer before they can reach the level expected of a program with their history and resources.

Ultimately, Oklahoma’s 2024 season could be a crucial turning point for the program. If they fall short of expectations, it will raise serious questions about Venables’ ability to lead the team to national prominence in the SEC. As Finebaum has pointed out, the Sooners may find themselves overwhelmed in a new, more challenging environment, which could lead to another frustrating season for fans and players alike. The road to recovery for Oklahoma may take longer than anticipated, making 2024 a year to watch closely for all the wrong reasons.