Oklahoma Sooners’ Struggle Continues in Oxford
OXFORD, MS — Yesterday, we witnessed a football game that had the potential for an upset but ultimately ended in disappointment for the Oklahoma Sooners. Fresh off the heels of significant staff changes amid back-to-back losses, the Sooners started strong against No. 18 Mississippi. They even took a lead into halftime for the first time this conference season. However, the enthusiasm dwindled as Lane Kiffin’s Rebels reclaimed control, leading to a 26-14 victory at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
A Glimpse of Hope: Strong First Half
Oklahoma’s offense was alive in the first half, revealing a glimpse of what the team can do. After dismissing Seth Littrell from his offensive play-calling duties, interim coaches Joe Jon Finley and Kevin Johns changed up the game plan. The Sooners adopted a style that felt more familiar to fans who enjoyed Jeff Lebby’s approach over the past couple of years, with quarterback Jackson Arnold utilizing rollouts to combat the strong Ole Miss pass rush.
One standout performance came from running back Jovantae Barnes, who hit the ground running—literally—against a defense that typically stifles the nation’s rushing efforts. The Sooners managed to embark on impressive drives, with their final series of the first half reaching an extraordinary 92 yards—the longest of the season. It’s remarkable how this moment came despite losing starting left tackle Jacob Sexton to an ankle injury earlier in the game. Oklahoma even started the contest strong, with a 74-yard drive falling just short of the goal line. This was their sixth-longest drive of the season, setting the stage for what could have been a turning point.
Second Half Collapse
However, the excitement faded in the second half. The Sooners’ offense could only muster a mere 23 yards during the third quarter, while Ole Miss seized the momentum. The Rebels effortlessly carved through the Oklahoma defense, establishing scoring drives that propelled them into a comfortable lead of 26-14 by the end of the third quarter.
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss’s quarterback, resumed business as usual after halftime, capitalizing on weaknesses in the OU secondary. He completed five passing plays of over 20 yards in just the third quarter, with his wide receivers catching the ball in zones the Sooners seemed to overlook. This lack of defensive adjustment raised eyebrows, especially considering they had recently struggled to force turnovers. In fact, the Sooners only forced one takeaway, which came under peculiar circumstances when J.J. Hester knocked the ball out of Taylor Tatum’s grasp.
A Fighting Chance
Despite the setbacks, Arnold’s return gives the Sooners something to work with for the future. Although the offensive line’s struggles were evident—with Arnold getting sacked a staggering nine times throughout the game—it’s clear that he showcased resilience. Most notably, he managed the clock effectively at the end of the first half, orchestrating a drive that concluded with a touchdown.
The coaching staff’s hands were tied regarding the offensive line’s performance and the health of the receiving group; they couldn’t transform those situations overnight. As the game progressed, and Oklahoma was forced to pass on nearly every down in a scramble to catch up, the pressure mounted, limiting Arnold’s effectiveness and ability to lead a comeback.
What’s Next for the Sooners?
Looking ahead, Oklahoma leaves Oxford struggling with a 4-4 record and just a 1-4 performance in the SEC. There isn’t a quarterback controversy brewing this week. Instead, Arnold’s fifth start may serve as a foundation for improvement. As the coaching staff reviews the film from this matchup, they will be searching for ways to bolster the offensive front and advance their strategic game plan.
Despite the disappointment, the fight displayed in the first half provides hope for the Sooners as they gear up for their next battles. If they can harness the strengths shown before halftime, we might see a turnaround in this season yet.
