John Williams
April 20, 2024 6:03 pm CT
The Oklahoma Sooners debuted Team 130 in a spring game that came down to the wire. Brendan Zurbrugg and Chapman McCown helped lead the offense to a win in the final minutes. Throughout the game there were a number of highlight plays on both sides of the ball.
In this format, the Sooners put on display exactly what you want to see. Given and take. Each side had stretches of momentum and big plays. Despite the offense getting off to a strong start on the back of big plays from Deion Burks, Jackson Arnold and Kalib Hicks, the defense battled back to make make it close at halftime with its relentless pass rush and competitiveness.
A number of key players on both sides of the ball sat out: Billy Bowman, Woodi Washington, Da’Jon Terry on defense and Jalil Farooq, Andrel Anthony, Nic Anderson, Jovantae Barnes and veteran quarterback Casey Thompson on offense.
But that didn’t stop the two units from putting on a show. Here are five takeaways from the Sooners’ spring game.
1
Deion Burks is as advertised
April 20, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Deion Burks (6) catches a touchdown during the Oklahoma Sooners spring game at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
There’s been a great deal of buzz about Purdue transfer Deion Burks, and he lived up to the billing. He was explosive in every facet of the passing game, making plays at all three levels of the defense. He and Jackson Arnold have a strong connection. They connected for a pair of touchdowns that went for more than 50 yards. The two almost connected for another big play, but Arnold’s pass went just beyond Burks’ reach.
He’s going to be a problem for opposing defenses in 2024.
2
Offensive line was OK
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables locks arms with his team before a University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners spring football game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, Saturday, April 20, 2024. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Oklahoma Sooners offensive line has been the biggest storyline this offseason. Given the turnover, it was bound to have growing pains. In the spring game, the unit had some really good moments where it sprang a running back for a solid run or provided the quarterback, in particular Jackson Arnold, with more than enough time to make a play. As the game wore on, the defensive front looked better, but Bill Bedenbaugh’s group certainly provided enough good moments to feel confident about its trajectory.
Josh Bates, who has been the starter at center since Troy Everett went down with an injury looked pretty good. There were a couple of tackle stunts that gave the interior problems, but those are learning opportunities for the Sooners as they close the spring.
The first team offensive line looked like this.
| Left Tackle | Michael Tarquin |
| Left Guard | Jacob Sexton |
| Center | Josh Bates |
| Right Guard | Febechi Nwaiwu |
| Right Tackle | Jake Taylor |
3
But that pass rush was fire
April 20, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts after pressuring Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the Oklahoma Sooners spring game at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Ethan Downs, Adepoju Adebawore, R Mason Thomas, Gracen Halton, Jayden Jackson, Davon Sears and David Stone all made plays in the pass rush. Though early in the game, the offensive line seemed to get the better of the defensive front, Todd Bates and Miguel Chavis’ groups were really productive throughout.
This group has the potential to be really good in 2024.
4
Jackson Arnold displayed elite traits
April 20, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) throws a touchdown pass during the Oklahoma Sooners spring game at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
In his first spring game as the starting quarterback, Jackson Arnold looked the part on several throws, especially deep balls to Deion Burks. If there was an area that wasn’t on point, it was the slant game over the middle of the field. He and his wide receivers weren’t quite on the same page as Arnold’s throws caromed off the fingertips of his targets.
But he looked really good throwing deep. He did a great job using his legs to buy time. He also threw well to the boundary.
Like most of the roster not named Deion Burks, Arnold looked promising. There’s still room to grow just as there is with everyone else.
5
Running backs look good
April 20, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma; Oklahoma Sooners running back Kalib Hicks (0) runs for a touchdown during the Oklahoma Sooners spring game at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Gavin Sawchuk looks like he did at the end of the 2023 season. He was smooth, patient and explosive. Kalib Hicks had a really good run on fourth-and-1 for a touchdown. UT-Martin transfer Sam Franklin had a really good stretch during which he picked up close to 30 yards on three consecutive carries, showing burst, patience and elusiveness.
If the offensive line comes together, the Sooners will be in really good shape in the running game.
