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The Lincoln Riley-led Oklahoma Sooners are looking to have a brighter season in front of them than they did the previous year. They dropped two games early on at the beginning of the season but went on to win eight straight, bringing their record t 9-2. After finishing second in the Big 12, the Sooners missed the College Football Playoffs, but there are better days ahead for Oklahoma.
One of the most glaring issues with their 2020 outing was the lack of experience. Most of the players on the roster struggled with adjusting to the speed and unforgiving nature of college football. This caused the Sooners to struggle early on in the season, but they finished strong and can build on it in 2021.
2021 Oklahoma Sooners Futures Betting Odds
Oklahoma Sooners National Champion Odds: +700
Oklahoma Sooners Conference Champion Odds: -143
Oklahoma Sooners Win Total Odds: Over 11 (-139) Under 11 (+110)
Oklahoma Sooners to Make the College Football Playoffs Odds: Yes (-125) No (+125)
The Sooners aren’t necessarily in need of a revamped year, their only issue was inexperience, and even then, they finished the season strong. With Lincoln Riley at the helm, this team is destined for an over 11 win season, especially when you take into account who was on their schedule in 2020.
The Sooners had arguably their best defense since 2009, and when you look at how they faced either Big 12 or Power 5 opponents in all but one game, you have to give them credit. This is a defense that, for the most part, is returning in 2021, including All-American linebacker Nike Bonnitto. Don’t forget that their two All-Big 12 defensive lineman will be returning in 2021, giving them back a pair of run stuffers.
The key here is whether or not the offense will match the defense, but if there’s any coach to build a successful offense, it’s Lincoln Riley. The likelihood of the Sooners winning the Big 12 is high and leads the odds at the sportsbook as of today. It’s a great bet considering they come into the season with the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy at quarterback.
2021 Oklahoma Sooners Offseason Grade: B-
Key Additions: (Luther Burden, WR), (Gavin Sawchuk, RB), (Kobe McKinzie, OLB)
Key Departures: (Ceedee Lamb, WR) (Jalen Hurts, QB) (Kenneth Murray, LB)
This grade isn’t a slight at the Sooners recruiting department but more about them not needing to do a lot of recruiting this offseason. The core group of the Sooners is already solid, and they didn’t need to replace Jalen Hurts because Spencer Rattler is the frontrunner for the Heisman this year.
Being set across the board but still adding WR Luther Burden to fill the hole left behind by Ceedee Lamb is a great start to a successful season. They have a capable young quarterback along with a coach that knows how to utilize his best players.
Oklahoma Sooners 2021 Preview
The schedule for the Oklahoma Sooners this year is much more favorable than the previous season. Adding that, with the group maturing and getting more playing time together and the Sooners are easily in the running to win the National Championship.
Lincoln Riley coached this team through two rough losses and sent them on an 8-0 streak to close the season. Look for him to build on that in 2021 and get the Sooners deep into the playoffs.
2021 Oklahoma Sooners Futures Best Bets
Number one on your list of best futures bets concerning the Sooners should be over 11 wins. This is a team that played Big 12 and Power 5 opponents in all but one game and still turned in a 9-2 record. Had this team had the experience they do now, in 2020, we could’ve seen a perfect record.
Secondly, a great bet to take is them winning the Big 12, considering the next closest team is Iowa State at +225. The Sooners have had an entire season and offseason with most of the vital players returning aside from Lamb and Hurts. They had an incredible defense last year, and with such a favorable schedule, their defense should dominate again.
Lastly, the Spencer Rattler +550 to win the Heisman Trophy should make its way on your ticket. Not just because he’s the highest favored, but because his coach Lincoln Riley will make him the focal point of the offense. It’s Rattlers’ turn to lead the Sooners to the top of the Big 12 and perhaps, to the National Championship.
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