Special Season Kicks Off for Oklahoma by Hosting Temple

Oklahoma Sooner Football — © Sarah Phipps/THE OKLAHOMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK

The Oklahoma Sooners are in the Southeastern Conference and it starts with their first official game as an SEC member on Friday, August 30, at 7 p.m. in Norman, Okla.

The Sooners play host to the Temple Owls in a game that should not be much of a test for the home-standing Sooners.

What's at Stake

For the Sooners, it's pride and perception. Now, with the SEC patch on their jerseys, every game for Oklahoma will be scrutinized to see if they are "SEC" worthy. The defense and quarterback Jackson Arnold will have to be improved.

For the Owls, while they, of course, want to win, head coach Stan Drayton will carry over his hate for the Sooners from his time on staff at Texas. This will be a good chance for Drayton to see what kind of team he will have this season. Their heart and mental toughness will be challenged in Norman.

Key Players for Oklahoma

Offensive: The key player for the Sooners will be Arnold. One of the top quarterbacks in his class coming into college, Arnold has all the intangibles. Unfortunately for Arnold and the Sooners, the only thing the football world remembers is the multiple turnovers in his only start against Arizona last year's Alamo Bowl. Arnold will have to show that the Alamo Bowl has been left in the past.

Defensive: For the Sooners it is freshman defensive lineman Jayden Jackson. The IMG Academy standout showed up to campus with his more ballyhooed teammate David Stone. But with the first release of the depth chart, Jackson is slotted as a starter. Head coach Brent Venables has had glowing reviews on Jackson and how he has performed and handled himself since he stepped on campus. To get the nod as a freshman is big; future NFL Hall of Famer Gerald McCoy didn't even start his freshman year for the Sooners.

Key Players for Temple

Offensive: The key players for the Temple Owls, who have not named a starting quarterback, will be offensive tackle Luke Watson and the offensive line. A significantly improved Sooners' defense was one of the top teams in the country in tackles for loss. So, Watson and the line will have to do their best to keep the Sooners out of the backfield and off whoever the quarterback is.

Defensive: The Owls will rely on critical secondary play by Western Carolina transfer Andreas Keaton. Keaton came to the Owls after leading Western Carolina in tackles the last two seasons. The secondary is revamped, and continuity and communication will be essential for the Owls. The secondary has a daunting task trying to defend a very deep wide receiver room and talented running backs sprinting out of the backfield.

Trends to Watch

When the Sooners have the ball, watch the offensive line. The line is an overhaul by Bill Bedenbaugh, one of the best offensive line coaches in college football. Branson Hickman, the transfer from SMU, is the line leader at center. His calls to his linemates can make the difference in picking up blitzes or letting rushers run free.

When the Sooners don't have the ball, the defense has two preseason All-SEC defenders, Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman Jr. It's been a long time since the defense has had some swagger in Norman, and the two leaders bring the intensity. Bowman Jr has a knack for taking interceptions for a touchdown, and Stutsman flies all over the field like former great Brian Bosworth. This will be a fun defense. Let's see if they can hold Temple to under 250 yards of total offense. Sooners fans always want a shutout.