Oklahoma Sooners Offensive Players to Watch in Week 10
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When the Bears trot into Norman in Week 10, the Oklahoma Sooners will need to be in a serious offensive groove to defend their home turf.
The Sooners will need to adapt to a wholly different system in the post-Lincoln Riley era, but with Jeff Lebby at the offensive reigns, they might just be able to replicate their big play ability.
Lebby led a dangerous offense at Ole Miss in 2021, a unit that willed the Rebels to a Sugar Bowl appearance. Not only did he make Rebel quarterback Matt Corral into a legitimate Heisman contender, but Lebby molded the UCF Knights into a top-five offense behind a different young quarterback. One who, if all goes to plan, will be under center for the Sooners when the Bears do, in fact, trot into Norman.
QB Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel comes to the Sooners after two stellar seasons with UCF before a season-ending left (throwing side) clavicle injury. After losing two quarterbacks who will start at other power five programs (Caleb Williams at USC and Spencer Rattler at South Carolina - sorry for having to phrase it that way, Gamecock fans), I'm not sure Gabriel was the answer to Sooners' fans prayers. Then again, power five starting quarterbacks don't grow on trees.
Gabriel threw for at least 3,500 yards each of his two full seasons at UCF and combined for 70 touchdowns and only 14 picks in his Knights career. The only potential issue is his accuracy. He didn't complete more than 60% of his passes in each of his two full seasons. Coming off a serious injury to his throwing arm (kind of) and with the conference flashing some elite defenses, things could go awry for Gabriel and the Sooners.
He had his most fruitful season under Lebby's guidance, but a defense as stout as Baylor's could give the Bears a serious edge.
WR Marvin Mims
Mims has been a big play machine for the Sooners the last two seasons, hitting over 100 receiving yards in a game three times in 2021 and averaging 22 yards a reception. Mims has mostly been a second or third option for the Sooners, but this year he will be forced to step up with a lack of experience marring their offense.
While he has the ability to take over a game, Mims has struggled in his two career games vs. the Bears. In those contests, he has only corralled three passes for a grand total of 16 yards. The big pass play could be an Achilles heel for the Bears this year, and Mims could be the Sooners' biggest target.
LT Anton Harrison
On an offensive line made up of transfers and guys who have rarely seen action in the crimson and cream. Redshirt sophomore Anton Harrison is the exception. Harrison has started 22 games for the Sooners, including all 13 at left tackle last season. At least through the lens of the preseason, Harrison is the Sooners' best bet for an All Big 12 offensive lineman.
The Bears' best units are certainly the offensive and defensive lines and with Dave Aranda's history of having speedy defenses that love to get after the quarterback, Harrison could be in for his toughest game of the year. No matter who is across the line in white and green, Harrison will have his hands full. If the Bears are going to get comfortable on the road, they will need to move the Sooners backwards.
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