Can the Oklahoma Sooners Hold Off on DeMarco Murray Despite Penn State Rumors? | Do the Sooners Win in the Playoffs?

The Oklahoma Sooners football program finds itself in the midst of a critical crossroads. As the 2024 season winds down, head coach Brent Venables and his staff are focused on building momentum heading into the postseason. However, rumors swirling around the potential departure of one of their key coaching staff members, DeMarco Murray, have added a layer of uncertainty to an already high-stakes situation. Murray, a former Sooners great and current running backs coach, has been rumored to be a target of Penn State’s football program. With the Sooners eyeing a potential playoff run, the question arises: can they hold on to Murray amid these rumors, and how will the situation impact their playoff hopes?

This issue, while off the field, holds significant implications for Oklahoma’s postseason chances. Murray has been one of the program’s most valuable assistants, contributing both as a recruiter and as a mentor to some of the top running backs in college football. If the rumors are true and Penn State does indeed come calling, Oklahoma would face a tough challenge in not only replacing a key member of their coaching staff but also keeping the momentum that has carried them to this point in the season.

DeMarco Murray’s Impact on Oklahoma

DeMarco Murray’s relationship with Oklahoma runs deep. The former All-American running back and Heisman Trophy finalist is one of the most iconic players in the program’s storied history. After a successful career in the NFL, Murray returned to Oklahoma in 2017 as a coach and has since become one of the most respected running backs coaches in college football.

Under Murray’s tutelage, the Sooners’ running back unit has flourished. Murray has helped develop some of the nation’s top talents, including Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray, while also fostering a strong relationship with current stars like Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk. The Sooners’ ability to recruit and develop running backs has been a cornerstone of their success, and Murray’s influence in this area cannot be overstated. His deep knowledge of the position, coupled with his personal experience at Oklahoma and in the NFL, makes him an invaluable asset to the program.

Beyond his coaching prowess, Murray’s presence is also a significant recruiting tool. The Sooners have been able to attract top-tier running back recruits because of Murray’s reputation, both as a former player and as a mentor. His ties to the program and his success as a player make him a key figure in Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts, particularly in the state of Texas, where running back talent is among the best in the country.

Murray’s connection to Oklahoma fans and players is also a major factor. He is a beloved figure in Norman, and his presence on the coaching staff has helped solidify the program’s relationship with recruits and alumni. This connection adds a layer of stability and pride to the program, which can be crucial in times of uncertainty.

Penn State Rumors: What Does It Mean for Oklahoma?

The rumors of Penn State pursuing DeMarco Murray have raised eyebrows across college football. Penn State has been in the midst of a resurgence under head coach James Franklin, and their interest in Murray as a potential addition to their staff speaks volumes about his reputation. While Murray has remained tight-lipped about the rumors, the fact that a program of Penn State’s stature would even consider him is a testament to the impact he’s had as a coach.

For Oklahoma, the rumors come at a delicate time. The Sooners are in the middle of a strong season, with their eyes set firmly on the College Football Playoff. Any potential distraction, especially involving one of their top coaches, could derail their playoff hopes. If Murray were to leave, it would be a significant blow to the program. Not only would Oklahoma lose a valuable recruiter and developer of talent, but the timing could also create turmoil within the team and the locker room, potentially affecting the team’s morale heading into crucial games.

Another important factor is Murray’s long-term connection to the program. He is a major part of Oklahoma’s identity, both on and off the field. The Sooners have a proud tradition of producing elite running backs, and much of that success has been due to Murray’s ability to develop young talent. Losing him would force Venables to make a difficult decision about how to replace him and what kind of coaching change might be necessary to maintain the same level of excellence.

It’s important to note that while the rumors surrounding Penn State are concerning, they are still just that—rumors. At this point, there’s no official confirmation that Murray is actively considering a move to Penn State, and it’s possible that the rumors could simply be speculation. However, the longer the rumors linger, the more they could affect the program’s overall stability, especially as the Sooners gear up for the postseason.

Impact on Oklahoma’s Playoff Hopes

While the situation with Murray is still unfolding, the focus for Oklahoma remains on the football field. The Sooners are firmly in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff, but the competition is fierce, and they can’t afford any distractions.

Oklahoma enters the final stretch of the regular season with a strong record, but the Big 12 Championship and the upcoming playoff race will be tough. With several other conference champions in the mix for playoff spots, Oklahoma will need to continue playing at a high level to secure one of the coveted spots in the four-team playoff. The Sooners have already shown they can compete with the best in the country, but they’ll need to stay focused, both on the field and off of it, to make a serious run.

For Oklahoma, the loss of a coach like DeMarco Murray—especially in a crucial recruiting role—could have ramifications for their postseason success. Murray has been instrumental in developing key players who could play pivotal roles in the team’s playoff run. The Sooners’ offense, led by their powerful running game, has been one of the best in the country, and much of that success can be attributed to Murray’s coaching. Losing him could disrupt the flow of the running back room, forcing other coaches to step up and take on more responsibility. If that disruption is significant enough, it could impact the team’s performance during high-stakes games.

The Sooners will also need to maintain their recruiting momentum heading into the offseason. If Murray were to leave, there’s a risk that Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts could slow down, particularly in the critical position of running back. Oklahoma is already in the mix for several top-tier recruits, and any instability on the coaching staff could potentially cause some of these recruits to reconsider their options. This is particularly true for running backs who might have had their sights set on working with Murray, who is seen as one of the best in the business.

Oklahoma’s Path to the Playoffs: Can They Still Win?

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Murray’s future, the Sooners remain a strong contender in the College Football Playoff race. Oklahoma’s offense, led by a dynamic quarterback and a deep stable of running backs, is one of the most potent in the nation. The Sooners have been able to score at will against most of their opponents, and their ability to control the clock and wear down defenses is a key asset in postseason play.

Defensively, Oklahoma has improved significantly under head coach Brent Venables. After a rough start to the season, the defense has shown it can make key stops when needed, and they’ve been particularly effective in limiting big plays. If they can continue to play at a high level and complement their offense, Oklahoma will be a tough team to beat in the postseason.

The Sooners will need to stay focused on their goals and not let the distractions off the field affect their performance on it. With a potential playoff berth on the line, they will need to stay locked in during the final stretch of the season, including their conference championship game and any playoff games that follow. If they can maintain their consistency and avoid letting any off-the-field drama derail their momentum, Oklahoma has a legitimate chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.