A little over a week ago, Ted Roof was hired as the new Oklahoma football defensive coordinator, and late this week head coach Brent Venables added a couple of defensive assistants. Brandon Hall has been hired as an assistant coach working with the safeties and Miguel Chavis joins the Sooners’ staff as defensive ends coach. […]
After a big win over Arkansas in Tulsa, the Sooners return home to face UT Arlington.
Eight days following a decisive, statement win over the Arkansas Razorbacks in Tulsa, the Oklahoma Sooners are back home as they face the UT Arlington Mavericks.
Radio: Sooner Sports Radio Network (KRXO 107.7 FM The Franchise in Oklahoma City; KTBZ 1430 AM in Tulsa; Varsity Radio App) with Toby Rowland and Kevin Henry announcing
Line: Oklahoma-18 (as of 12:30 p.m. CT Sunday)
About UTA
The Mavericks enter the game with a record of 3-6, having suffered defeats to Oklahoma State, Utah State and ORU.
The Mavericks are led by senior guard David Azore, who averages 13.6 PPG on 34.2 percent shooting. His FG percentage is down about 10 percent from his previous two seasons, so he certainly has the capability of taking over a game once he hits hits his stride.
Greg Young is in his first season as head coach after spending the past 12 seasons as an assistant under UTA’s previous two head coaches. During his time in Arlington, the Mavericks have made two NIT appearances (2012, 2017) and a pair of CIT appearances (2013, 2016).
The Mavericks are currently No. 255 in Ken Pomeroy’s team efficiency rankings. UTA is No. 321 in adjusted offense and No. 140 in adjusted defense.
Quick Note
Very Early NET Rankings: With an 8-2 record and some solid wins under their belt, the Sooners are still back at No. 42 in the NCAA’s NET Rankings (a tool used by the NCAA to seed teams come March Madness). Why is this? Well, the recent struggles of Florida (now No. 60) and Arkansas (now No. 90) are dragging OU down. Granted, the season is still very young, and OU’s Big 12 SOS will certainly help matters. Additionally, Florida and Arkansas have plenty of time to right the ship and become quality wins for the Sooners.
Prediction
I’d be more worried about a letdown performance if this game took place after a quick turnaround. Eight days of rest and some time away from the court (OU had finals this past week) have likely provided a bit of a mental and physical reset, and I’d expect the effort to be strong.
Lincoln Riley won 55 games in five seasons as head coach of the Oklahoma football Sooners ant took three teams to the College Football Playoff. An average of 10.5 wins over five seasons equated to a winning percentage of .846, the highest of any of the 22 Oklahoma head coaches who preceded him. Riley, without […]
