It seems worse now because every one drank all the kool aid immediately when Brent was hired. Not surprising and really a normal reaction considering what transpired after the Oklahoma State game. To make us feel even more hopeful we won our bowl game and then three wins to start off the season. Looking back, we can see why Oregon and the three 2022 wins were not so impressive. Now we are in bad shape due to injuries and inexperience at key positions. I am just going to wait and see what happens and try not to expect more than this squad can deliver. Hopefully, we get healthy and get our shit together soon. But not expecting 6 wins. If that happens I would say it was a good showing for Brent.
Agree.
All of us are without good expectations for OU against Texas right now, except perhaps for OU keeping the score respectable.
I recall even during the decade of the 1960's, there was hope that OU could beat Texas at least half of those ten years... as in 1962, 1963 vs Texas' national championship team, 1964, 1968 and even in 1969 vs Texas' second national championship team of that decade. Problem was, OU entered each game hoping to win.... Texas entered the game knowing it would win and won all but one game (1966) against OU in that decade......compliments of native Oklahoman and Sooner All-American Darrell Royal.... who I wish has replaced Wilkinson.
Indeed, six wins, coupled with competitive close-score games are my hope right now. That includes getting the young players more comfortable and better prepared for 2023.
If OU gets mauled by Texas, I look for Venables to focus getting his team ready for 2023, as well as a bowl bid in December which would mean 15 more days of practice and of course, money.
If Gabriel is done for the year, or is out for several games, I would think Evers gets the nod as his talent level would trump that of the other QB's and this could get OU to a 6-win season. More importantly, if Evers shows well, it will mean Jackson Arnold would have better competition for the starting QB job. And that's a good "problem" for Venables.
I can't blame Venables for what's happened. I think he KNEW this season was going to be tough and he offered what he thought was most needed at the time he took over: rah-rah speeches and assurances that better days are coming. It was not about offering "Kool Aid" for OU fans to drink. It was about telling the fanbase that OU would rise above the Riley era and move forward.
