Two games into the 2024 season, the Oklahoma Sooners’ offensive line still lacks answers.
Much of this is due to injuries, specifically to Branson Hickman, Jake Taylor, Geirean Hatchett, and Troy Everett. However, Spencer Brown struggled to get off to a good start against Temple.
The Sooners have dug deep into the well up front to find the ideal blend. When Taylor went down on Saturday after only 23 snaps, the Sooners moved to redshirt freshman Logan Howland, who took over at left tackle, moving veteran Michael Tarquin to the right.
The offensive line performed admirably in pass protection but failed to make room for the Sooners’ rushing attack, which was limited to 75 yards on the night and around three yards per run.
Oklahoma’s offensive line will most likely consist of Howland at left tackle, Jacob Sexton at left guard, Bates at center, Febechi Nwaiwu at right guard, and Tarquin at right tackle. This is hardly the bunch Bill Bedenbaugh and Seth Littrell intended to start the season with.
Despite giving up three sacks, the Sooners’ offensive line gave Jackson Arnold plenty of time to work within the pocket. However, the passing game was unable to establish a rhythm as the wide receiver group dealt with injuries and Arnold struggled in his early career.
Brent Venables revealed in his weekly press conference that true freshman Eddy Pierre-Louis is working with the offense throughout practice. He did not say how much work he was getting with the first team, but the Sooens are high on the former four-star interior offensive tackle.
In some ways, 2024 is similar to 2023. Oklahoma began both seasons with a decisive victory over an overmatched opponent. The Sooners battled against SMU in week two of last year, much as they did with Houston on Saturday night. There was no apparent solution at left guard last year, and injuries have caused havoc up front this season. The running game is hit-or-miss, and Oklahoma didn’t know who their lead back was until halfway.
The Sooners’ offensive line has struggled to create chemistry, cohesion, and communication as a result of their injuries. Three aspects that are essential for excellent offensive line performance. It’s a challenge that the coaching staff is addressing as they try to get more players involved in the offensive line rotation.
If the Sooners can develop a consistent running game, it will open up so many opportunities for their offense. Teams would be unable to sit back and shut down everything Oklahoma wanted to accomplish in the passing game.
Will they be able to find their running game this week against a Tulane team that allowed the Wildcats to average 6.5 yards per carry? A Green Wave team that limited Kansas State to 2 of 10 on third down? We will find out on Saturday afternoon in Norman.
