Live Feed: Breaking Down the Sooners’ Rollercoaster Season Ahead of Armed Forces Bowl
As the countdown to the Armed Forces Bowl on December 27 continues, the Oklahoma Sooners’ season has been a mix of thrilling highs and gut-wrenching lows, ultimately placing them 13th in the SEC. Here’s a look at their most defining moments.
Most Memorable Moment: The Sooner Stampede
On November 23, the Sooners delivered one of the season’s most unforgettable moments, stunning Alabama with a 24-3 upset. Alabama opened with a field goal, but it was all Oklahoma after that, ending the game with fans rushing the field in a triumphant “Sooner Stampede.”
This win effectively kept Alabama out of the College Football Playoffs, cementing it as a historic highlight for Oklahoma.
Most Magical: Kip Lewis’ Game-Changing Play
The Sooners’ first-ever SEC road victory was a magical moment, thanks to Kip Lewis. His jaw-dropping 63-yard interception return left Auburn fans stunned and marked the beginning of a remarkable comeback.
With Oklahoma trailing 21-10 in the fourth quarter, Lewis’ touchdown, combined with sharp offensive play-calling, sealed a 27-21 victory. Despite Auburn running 28 more offensive plays and earning 15 more first downs, Oklahoma’s resilience won the day.
Most Lopsided: Red River Rivalry Disaster
The October 12 showdown against Texas was a nightmare for Oklahoma. A 21-point second-quarter surge by the Longhorns led to a 34-3 blowout at the Cotton Bowl.
It was one of those rare games where fans found themselves hoping for the clock to run out early. As analysts remarked, if this had been a boxing match, the referee would have stopped it at halftime.
Most Gut-Wrenching: Missouri’s Last-Second Stunner
The matchup against Missouri was a heartbreaker, largely due to Oklahoma’s sloppy play, including four fumbles.
With just 22 seconds remaining and the game tied at 23-23, Zion Young capitalized on a fumble, returning it 17 yards for the winning touchdown. This loss was as painful as it was avoidable, leaving Sooners fans wondering what could have been.
Most Knee-Jerk: Quarterback Switch in Vols Game
In a puzzling move during the game against Tennessee, the coaching staff replaced quarterback Jackson Arnold with freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. just before halftime.
While Hawkins had some impressive moments that caught the attention of analyst Kirk Herbstreit, the game ultimately ended in a 25-15 loss. The focus shifted from the final score to the decision to make the quarterback switch, raising questions about the team’s long-term strategy.
Looking Ahead
The Sooners now prepare for their final challenge of the season at the Armed Forces Bowl. Can they end on a high note and use these defining moments as stepping stones for the future? Stay tuned as Oklahoma looks to make one last statement in 2024.