Oklahoma Sooners OC Ben Arbuckle kind of dances around a question everyone is wanting an answer to

Sooners' offense needs to get hot now before it's too late

It seems like Arbuckle never truly answered the question -- why have they gone away from those types of shots down the field? He stated what goes into it, not why they have actually stopped. It's like they aren't even calling plays with deep routes anymore. To me, this feels like a lack of confidence in John Mateer, whether that be because of the hand injury or something else.

The Sooners have been a running team over the last few weeks, aside from last week's struggles. That seems to be the closest thing they have to an identity. On offense, Oklahoma plays not to lose.

They play not to turn the ball over. And, that's all fine and dandy, but it won't continue to win you football games when you play some of the elite teams you are destined to play in the College Football Playoffs. Oklahoma has too many good pieces on its roster on that side of the ball to play the way they do. Not only that, but their offensive line is playing amazingly right now, with the combination of the three freshmen playing lights out.

With Isaiah Sategna's speed and even Deion Burks' speed, there is really no reason not to be throwing the ball deep, other than that Mateer just isn't comfortable with that yet. Maybe he can start taking some shots down field against both the Missouri and LSU Tigers.

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.