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College Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2021 season

By Dante Pryor

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood (70) celebrates with the CFP National Championship trophy after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood (70) celebrates with the CFP National Championship trophy after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Marcus Hicks (99) tackles Oklahoma Sooners running back Todd Hudson (23) during the spring game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Marcus Hicks (99) tackles Oklahoma Sooners running back Todd Hudson (23) during the spring game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Oklahoma makes College Football Playoff, wins a game

This is an “if not now, when” season for the Sooners. Oklahoma has made the College Football Playoff four times in the seven-year history of the four-team field and three consecutive seasons (2017, 2018, 2019). The obvious next step is winning a game in the playoff.

This is the season for the Sooners to break through and win. If Oklahoma can’t win one this season, it might be a while before they have the opportunity again. This season is head coach Lincoln Riley’s best team since taking over for Bob Stoops five seasons ago.

Every team that is a regular in the playoff is either breaking in a new quarterback, turning over lots of talent on their roster, or combining both. The Sooners return their quarterback, Spencer Rattler.

Rattler has arguably the best receiving corps in the country and with both Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray, a running game to complement their receivers. However, the primary reason the Sooners break through and win a playoff game this season is the defense.

Defensive coordinator, Alex Grinch’s scheme is the perfect partner for Riley’s offense. Every year Grinch has been in Norman, the defense has improved. The play has improved, and the recruiting has improved.

Oklahoma is the favorite to win the Big 12 going away and should run the table this season and punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff. Armed with a high-powered offense and a much-improved defense, look for Oklahoma to break through and win a playoff game.

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