Oklahoma Football: 2023 Season Preview and Schedule

Go Sooners! The highly anticipated 2023 Oklahoma football season is just around the corner. After a disappointing campaign in 2022, the Sooners are hungry for redemption and eager to reclaim their status as one of the nation's premier programs.

2023 Schedule

The Sooners' 2023 schedule features a challenging mix of conference and non-conference opponents. Here's a detailed look:

Key Games

Among the highlights of the 2023 schedule, a few key games stand out:

• Sept. 30 at Kansas State: This year's Big 12 opener will be a tough test for the Sooners. Kansas State is a perennial contender in the conference and will be looking to spoil Oklahoma's season early on.
• Oct. 7 vs. Texas: The annual Red River Rivalry is always a huge event, and this year's game could have major implications for both teams' Big 12 title hopes.
• Oct. 14 at Iowa State: The Cyclones have become a tough out in recent years, and this game on the road could be a potential trap for the Sooners.
• Nov. 11 at Oklahoma State: The Bedlam Series is always a heated affair, and this year's game will be crucial for both teams' chances of reaching the Big 12 Championship game.

Team Outlook

The Sooners enter the 2023 season with a lot of question marks. They lost a number of key players from last year's team, including quarterback Dillon Gabriel, running back Eric Gray, and wide receiver Marvin Mims.

However, Oklahoma has a talented roster with a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. New head coach Brent Venables will need to get the most out of his team if the Sooners want to return to the top of the Big 12.

Season Predictions

Experts have mixed opinions on the Sooners' prospects for the 2023 season. Some believe that the team has the talent to compete for a Big 12 title, while others are more cautious.

According to ESPN's FPI, Oklahoma is projected to finish fifth in the Big 12 with a record of 7-5. The Sooners' toughest games are predicted to be against Kansas State, Texas, and Oklahoma State.

Stories to Watch

Here are a few storylines to watch as the 2023 Oklahoma football season unfolds:

• Can Brent Venables turn things around? Venables was one of the most successful defensive coordinators in the country at Clemson. Can he translate that success to the head coaching position at Oklahoma?
• Who will be the starting quarterback? With Dillon Gabriel gone, Oklahoma has a three-way battle for the starting quarterback job between Davis Beville, General Booty, and Nick Evers.
• Can the Sooners improve their red zone offense? In 2022, Oklahoma ranked near the bottom of the FBS in red zone efficiency. The Sooners need to find a way to score more touchdowns in the red zone if they want to be successful in 2023.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Oklahoma fans should avoid making some common mistakes when evaluating the 2023 season.

• Don't overreact to early results. The Sooners could start the season 0-2 or 1-3 and still have a chance to win the Big 12. It's important to stay patient and give the team time to adjust to a new head coach.
• Don't compare the 2023 team to the 2022 team. This is a different team with a different coach and different players. It's unfair to expect the 2023 Sooners to perform at the same level as the 2022 team.
• Don't give up on the season if Oklahoma loses a few games. The Sooners have a tough schedule, and they could lose a few games along the way. But if the team is still in the Big 12 title race in November, anything is possible.

Step-by-Step Approach

Here's a step-by-step approach to following the 2023 Oklahoma football season:

1. Set realistic expectations. The Sooners are not likely to win the National Championship in 2023, but they could still have a successful season.
2. Follow the team closely. Make sure to watch every game and read all the news and analysis you can find.
3. Be supportive of the team and the coaching staff. The Sooners need the support of their fans, especially during the tough times.
4. Have fun! College football is supposed to be enjoyed. So relax, cheer on the Sooners, and enjoy the ride.

Additional Information

• Oklahoma's 2023 football schedule was released on January 10, 2023.
• The Sooners will play six home games and six away games in 2023.
• Oklahoma's home games will be played at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
• The Sooners' away games will be played at Nebraska's Memorial Stadium, TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium, Kansas State's Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Iowa State's Jack Trice Stadium, West Virginia's Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, Baylor's McLane Stadium, Oklahoma State's Boone Pickens Stadium, Kansas' David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and Texas Tech's Jones AT&T Stadium.