Initially there was a great deal of concern when Bob Stoops unexpectedly retired last summer. Certainly, Stoops built up a stellar record and reputation in his 18 seasons as Oklahoma coach. For one thing his OU record was 190-48. In like manner he led the Sooners to a national championship. Moreover, Oklahoma was a consistent playoff contender. Consequently, the Sooners were consistent chalks with the college football betting odds. Supplementing everyone’s worries was that a 33-year old kid was replacing Stoops. Lincoln Riley was OU’s wonder boy offensive coordinator. Counter to Stoops he was an unproven rookie head coach.
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Lincoln Riley
Though Lincoln Riley faced plenty of skepticism he quickly silenced it. Oklahoma’s 31-16 win at Ohio State was the ultimate proof of his ability. The Sooners were 7.5-point dogs with the college football betting odds. Subsequently OU finished 12-2 straight up and 8-6 vs. the line. What’s more they made the college football playoff. Admittedly their 54-48 overtime loss to Georgia was a heartbreaker. But it did not tarnish Riley’s first season in charge. As a matter of fact, Sooner Nation is fully behind him. Encompassing this was Oklahoma boasting the top ranked offense in college football.
Previous Stats to Consider
Up against the Sooners offense is a subpar defense. For example, OU ranked 67th in the nation for total defense. Secondly Oklahoma ranked 68th for points allowed. Above all they blew a 31-14 lead in the playoff loss to Georgia. Decidedly proven was that OU’s defense was a clear sports betting liability. Commencing with that is the declining reputation of Mike Stoops. Indeed, the defensive coordinator has not found answers. Additionally, he has the reputation for being a weak tactician. Stoops’ answer seems to be screaming instead of scheming. Yet he was retained after the Georgia debacle.
Bob Stoops
Balanced against Stoops’ performance is politics. Specifically, he is the brother of Bob Stoops. To exemplify the situation is that Bob Stoops hand selected Riley to replace him. Because of this Riley is stuck with Mike as his defensive coordinator. Nevertheless, Mike Stoops could end up blowing himself up. To be exact nobody can save him if the defense doesn’t step it up in 2018.
Lacking Defense
Equally important to the defense is a lack of dominant players. Consistent with that is playing in the Big 12. Comparable to other leagues the Big 12 simply doesn’t play tough defense.
Who will replace Mayfield?
Of major concern is Riley must find a replacement for quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Heisman Trophy winner was the epitome of an impact player. Left tackle Orlando Brown and tight end Mark Andrews also departed. Both were All Americans. Accordingly, Riley has major gaps to fill with these three departures. Neither Kyler Murry or Austin Kendall has emerged as Mayfield’s replacement. Regardless the rest of the offense has plenty of playmakers.
Matchup to Watch
In spite of quarterback and defense questions Oklahoma will still be strong. More emphatically they’ll be a consistent chalk with the college football betting odds. Identical to that is a Big 12 Conference the lacks serious alternatives. For this reason, the Sooners are probably going to win the league again.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
To conclude Oklahoma should win 10 games and the weak Big 12 Conference.
College Football Betting Online Pick: Oklahoma to win 10 games.
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