Did the CFP press conference bring any fantastic news for the Oklahoma Sooners?

As college football fans anxiously awaited news from the College Football Playoff (CFP) press conference, many focused their attention on the potential playoff field and who would make the cut for the coveted four-team bracket. For the Oklahoma Sooners, a team with a long history of dominance in college football, the anticipation was particularly high. Would Oklahoma, a perennial contender, earn a spot in the playoff this season, or would they once again be left on the outside looking in?

However, when the official announcement was made at the CFP press conference, it didn’t bring the fantastic news that many in the Oklahoma fanbase were hoping for. Despite their strong season and reputation as one of the most successful programs in college football, the Sooners were not selected for the College Football Playoff. For a team that has consistently been a fixture in the national conversation, the exclusion from the CFP was a major disappointment, especially given their expectations coming into the season.

The College Football Playoff and Its Importance

Before diving into the specifics of the Oklahoma Sooners’ exclusion from the CFP, it’s important to understand what the College Football Playoff represents and why it is such a critical event in college football each year. The CFP was established in 2014, replacing the previous BCS (Bowl Championship Series) system. Under the CFP, four teams are selected by a committee to compete for the national title, with the top two teams receiving first-round byes and the other two teams facing off in the semifinals.

The CFP has brought new excitement and intensity to college football, as it gives teams a direct path to the national championship. The selection committee evaluates teams based on a variety of factors, including overall record, strength of schedule, conference championships, and head-to-head results. The committee also considers factors such as quality wins and losses, making the selection process both an art and a science.

For programs like Oklahoma, the CFP is more than just an opportunity to win a national championship—it’s a statement about their place in college football’s elite. Historically, Oklahoma has been one of the top programs in the country, regularly competing for Big 12 championships and national titles. The Sooners are one of only a handful of teams to have a long-standing tradition of success, with multiple Heisman Trophy winners, national championships, and consistent appearances in major bowl games.

Thus, for Oklahoma to be excluded from the College Football Playoff would be a significant moment, one that raised questions about their future in the sport and whether they had lost a step compared to their competitors.

Oklahoma’s Season Leading Up to the CFP Press Conference

Going into the season, Oklahoma had high expectations, as they often do. The Sooners were led by head coach Lincoln Riley, who had established himself as one of the brightest young coaching minds in college football. Riley’s ability to develop quarterbacks and build high-powered offenses was well-known, and with a talented roster, Oklahoma was primed for another run at a playoff berth. They had a solid regular-season schedule, a mix of challenging Big 12 matchups and out-of-conference games, which would provide the opportunity for the Sooners to prove their worth.

Oklahoma’s offense, led by quarterback Spencer Rattler, was expected to be one of the best in the country. Rattler, a former five-star recruit, entered the season as one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the country, with many pundits predicting he would make a strong case for the Heisman Trophy. The offense was dynamic, with weapons at every skill position, including wide receivers Marvin Mims and Jadon Haselwood, as well as running back Kennedy Brooks. Additionally, the Sooners had a stout offensive line that was expected to dominate up front, creating opportunities for the offense to score quickly and often.

While the offense was the focal point, Oklahoma’s defense was also expected to improve under defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Grinch, who had come to Oklahoma with a reputation for developing fast, aggressive defensive units, was tasked with transforming a defense that had often been the weak link in Oklahoma’s pursuit of championships. For Oklahoma to reach the College Football Playoff, they would need both their offense and defense to perform at a high level.

However, things didn’t go according to plan for the Sooners. Early in the season, Oklahoma struggled with inconsistency on both sides of the ball. While they had high-scoring victories over weaker opponents, they also had close calls against tougher competition, which raised doubts about their playoff viability. A number of factors contributed to these struggles, including turnover issues, inconsistent quarterback play, and defensive breakdowns. Though the team was still able to win games, those wins didn’t always come in dominant fashion, which impacted their standing in the eyes of the selection committee.

As the season progressed, Oklahoma managed to secure important wins over conference rivals like Texas, but they also suffered setbacks. Their defense showed flashes of improvement, but it wasn’t consistent enough to dominate on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, their offense, which had been one of the most explosive in the country, faltered in key moments, particularly in their game against Iowa State, where they were held to a modest score. These inconsistencies led to questions about whether Oklahoma had what it took to make the CFP.

The CFP Press Conference Announcement

The day of the College Football Playoff press conference arrived with much anticipation. Fans, coaches, and analysts were all eagerly awaiting the announcement of the four teams selected to compete for the national championship. As expected, teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State were considered near-locks for a spot in the playoff, given their dominant seasons. However, there was one spot still up for grabs, and Oklahoma was among the teams vying for it.

Unfortunately for the Sooners, when the selection committee unveiled the final rankings, Oklahoma was not among the top four teams. Instead, they were left on the outside looking in, as the committee opted for teams with stronger resumes and more consistent play. The exclusion of Oklahoma was a shock to many, especially given the program’s rich history and perennial status as a contender. Fans were disappointed, but many also recognized that Oklahoma had not played up to the standard expected of a playoff team. With losses and close wins against unranked teams, the Sooners simply didn’t have the impressive resume needed to secure a spot.

In the aftermath of the announcement, there was a mix of reactions from both the media and the Oklahoma fanbase. Some fans and analysts argued that Oklahoma was still one of the top teams in the country and deserved a spot in the playoff, pointing to their conference championship and the high talent level of their roster. However, others acknowledged that the Sooners had not played consistently enough throughout the season to justify a playoff berth.

The Broader Implications of Oklahoma’s CFP Exclusion

While the CFP press conference may not have brought the fantastic news Oklahoma fans were hoping for, the exclusion of the Sooners from the playoff had several broader implications for the program moving forward.

1. Recruiting: One of the most immediate impacts of Oklahoma’s exclusion from the playoff would likely be on recruiting. College football recruits often make decisions based on the success of a program and its ability to compete at the highest level. For Oklahoma, not making the CFP could affect the perception of the program, especially among high-profile recruits who may be considering other elite programs. While Oklahoma remains one of the top programs in the country, their failure to make the playoff could lead recruits to question whether they are truly championship contenders.
2. Coaching and Staff Adjustments: Oklahoma’s exclusion from the playoff could also lead to changes in the coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. While Lincoln Riley has established himself as one of the top offensive minds in college football, the defense has been a consistent area of concern. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s ability to build a consistently strong defense will be under scrutiny, and if the Sooners continue to fall short of their playoff aspirations, changes to the defensive staff may be in order. The failure to make the playoff could prompt the program to evaluate its coaching staff and make necessary adjustments to ensure future success.
3. Team Development and Motivation: For the players, the exclusion from the College Football Playoff can serve as a source of motivation heading into the next season. While it’s undoubtedly a disappointing result for the team, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the areas where improvement is needed. With a strong group of returning players, Oklahoma has the chance to regroup, address their weaknesses, and come back stronger the following year. The motivation to prove themselves after being left out of the playoff could drive the team to work harder in the offseason and come back with a renewed focus.
4. The Future of the Big 12: Oklahoma’s exclusion from the CFP also raises questions about the future of the Big 12 conference. As the Sooners and Texas prepare to leave the Big 12 for the SEC in the coming years, the conference’s future will likely look different. Oklahoma’s inability to make the playoff in 2021 may signal a shift in the balance of power in the Big 12, with teams like Baylor and Oklahoma State emerging as stronger contenders. While Oklahoma will remain a powerful program in the SEC, the Big 12’s future is uncertain, and the Sooners’ exclusion from the playoff could be seen as a sign of the changing landscape in college football.