Battle In Norman
The “Red River Showdown” ended with a near-impossible comeback from the Sooners after stomping the 95% win probability Texas held in the third quarter. With the win comes controversy as a quarterback change led to the incredible comeback. With true freshman, Caleb Williams’s name circulating throughout the college football landscape question marks have filled the Sooner’s locker room.
Photo Credit: Tim Warner
Preseason Spotlight
Spencer Rattler’s high expectations began before his college career when he appeared on the Netflix hit show “QB1”. Upon his commitment to OU, he was expected to pick up the long line of Oklahoma quarterbacks featuring Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts. After an above-average 2020 season, he has struggled to live up to his preseason expectations. In fact, Rattler has thrown five interceptions through the first six games in comparison to the seven he threw in all of last year. Behind these turnovers, his offensive struggles are apparent with five of the Sooner’s six wins decided by one score.
While his Heisman hopes are nearly gone, the starting job is in jeopardy after getting benched against Texas. With Oklahoma’s plethora of highly touted QB’s, it appears Caleb Wilson has put his name in the papers.
Where Do the Sooners Go
The conflict has arisen around camp and Lincon Riley took immediate notice shutting down all media as he made the important decision. With playoff hopes still alive the Sooners could be making a season-altering move. While Caleb shows a better feel in the pocket and more precision with the deep ball Rattler brings experience and a great level of energy.
Rattler
This year hasn’t showcased his playmaking but his ability to show up in close battles provides a compelling case to keep him in the conversation. On top of this last year, he finished with the third-highest completion percentage in the 37th highest pass frequency offense in the country. His “slump” is something familiar to college football and the first-round draft pick last year Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence entered his second year starting in the same predicament. By game six he had already surpassed his freshman year interception total and dropped three percent in his completion percentage. This is often noted as the “sophomore slump”. It was after the first six games Lawerence woke up and reaped havoc on the opposition raising his competition percentage to above the previous year and only throwing two interceptions. If Rattler walks on the field this Saturday with the backing of his coaches and team many would foresee a similar result.
Photo Credit: Matthew Pearce
Caleb Williams
Next to him is Caleb Williams who’s heart and talent propelled the Sooners above the Longhorns for the fourth straight meeting. Williams comes in as a five-star prospect and the second-ranked quarterback in the country. His name didn’t draw the same attention as Rattler but his performance last week certainly warranted it. With three touchdowns in the second half and 300 yards of total offense, his stats have lit up every Sooner’s message board. However, the true highlight came in the middle of the third quarter on a third and 19, 53-yard bomb to Marvin Mims. After this, his ability to extend plays and throw on the run was utilized to expose the Texas defense. While Rattler brings experience the raw talent of Williams has impressed many and could put him in the starting role for the Sooners.