We have formally reached prediction time for the far-off 2023 faculty soccer season. For Oklahoma Sooners followers, something to consider aside from the tough 2022 marketing campaign is a welcome distraction. Our pals at Athlon Sports don’t have the Sooners on the prime of the Big 12 subsequent season, however pretty shut.
Brent Venables and his employees have handled one other exodus from the roster, however have stuffed key positions through the switch portal. Venables’ success within the portal is among the key factors Steven Lassan raises when discussing the Sooners’ chances for subsequent yr. The Sooners are available in at No. 3.
The first season underneath coach Brent Venables resulted in a 6-7 end, however the Sooners ought to rebound into Big 12 title consideration in ’23. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is again, and the one-two punch of Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk is promising at working again. Restocking Gabriel’s weapons at receiver and enhancing alongside the offensive line prime the record of priorities for coordinator Jeff Lebby. Oklahoma’s protection gave up 30 factors a recreation in ’22, however an infusion of transfers – Linemen Rondell Bothroyd (Wake Forest), Trace Ford (Oklahoma State), and Jacob Lacey (Notre Dame) and linebacker Dasan McCullough (Indiana) – present optimism for enchancment subsequent fall. Of Oklahoma’s seven losses, 5 got here by seven or fewer factors final yr. – Lassan, Athlon Sports
Lassan had solely Texas and TCU forward of the Sooners in his early rankings for the Big 12.
To be frank, it could possibly’t worsen for Brent Venables in yr two. If it does worsen, then the Sooners might want to begin asking some severe questions on their head coach.
Until then, seeing the Sooners again close to the highest of the Big 12 rankings might be a welcomed sight in 2023.
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