Oklahoma Football: 3 offseason 2021 questions for the Sooners

2. Can the Sooners’ defense take the next step this season?

Alex Grinch has put his stamp on this defense since being hired on as defensive coordinator in 2019. In just two seasons, the Oklahoma defense has allowed over ten fewer points per game (33.3 points in 2018, 27.3 in 2019 and 21.7 in 2020).

Not only have the points allowed decreased, but the turnovers had increased from 13 in 2018 to 19 in 2019 and 14 in 2020. Keep in mind, the Sooners played three fewer games in 2020. Oklahoma averaged 1.7 turnovers per game in both 2019 and 2020.

The improved play on the field is a direct result of better talent on the field. The Sooners have stockpiled 20 four-start recruits in the last three cycles and have added much-needed talent depth to the defensive line and defensive backfield.

This season should feature an even better Oklahoma defense as the talent gap between the Sooners, and their opponents become more apparent. To take the next step, the Sooners have to play better defense against the country’s elite.

In their playoff appearances, the Sooners have allowed 55 points per game against Georgia (54 points in 2017), Alabama (45 points in 2018), and LSU (66 points in 2019). For the Sooners to compete at the highest level, they have to be better defensively against the country’s best.