Blatant Homerism: What to watch in Oklahoma-Illinois State
The lead up to the 2025 season for the Oklahoma Sooners feels even more mysterious than usual.
Most of the questions about the new squad involve an overhauled offense run by first-year coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Arbuckle will be dialing up the plays for a bevy of faces on that side of the ball who are unfamiliar to fans, led by Washington State transfer John Mateer at quarterback. Mateer will be distributing the ball to a new cast of characters at receiver that include a freshman and transfers from Arkansas, Southern Illinois and McNeese State. And from the looks of the depth chart OU issued on Monday, we may not see high-priced free agent Jaydn Ott at running back for another week.
We will get our first look at the new O on Saturday when the Sooners kick off the season with a visit from the Illinois State Redbirds. As FCS teams go, Illinois State is solid. The Redbirds went 10-4 last season, bowing out to UC Davis in the second round of the FCS playoff. They’re bringing back a bevy of experience from that team, which explains ISU’s No. 6 preseason ranking on the FCS level.
With that in mind, the Redbirds did take a 40-0 loss to Iowa in their only game versus an FBS squad. If the Sooners can’t separate from ISU relatively quickly on Saturday, that would feel like cause for concern. Here are five aspects of the matchup that I will be watching closely when these two squads take the field in Norman.
Moving ISU’s front seven
Defensively, ISU uses both one- and two-gap fronts. Defensive coordinator Travis Niekamp may prefer to see his defensive linemen try to shoot gaps out of a four-man look, rather than the Tite front that ISU also deploys. It should not matter. Either way, OU will have a big edge in the trenches from a physical standpoint, as most of the ISU DLs tip the scales below 300 pounds. If the Sooners aren’t opening up major holes at the line of scrimmage, consider that an enormous red flag.
Also, we’ll get a glimpse of the new tight ends in action for the first time. Let’s see how well they hold up at the point of attack.
Containing the quarterback
A cursory look at how the Redbirds played last season suggests the Redbirds will primarily throw conventional spread concepts at the OU defense when they have the ball. ISU does have a veteran quarterback in Tommy Rittenhouse triggering the offense who represents a dual threat behind center. He rushed for nearly 500 yards in 2024 and added eight touchdowns on the ground.
He can run, but Rittenhouse doesn’t merit a QB spy from the defense. The Sooners should still get some practice at things like maintaining discipline in their rushing lanes. That could pay off next week when they host Michigan and mobile QB Bryce Underwood.
Organic pass rush
Let’s stay focused on the defensive line for a moment. OU head coach Brent Venables is a blitz savant, but the Sooners shouldn’t need to dig into their bag of exotics to get pressure on the passer in week one. The upshot is that we will hopefully get a chance to judge what I call the organic pass rush from the DL.
Notably, this will be our first opportunity to see what transfer Marvin Jones Jr. and third-year sophomore Taylor Wein can do as part of the rotation at defensive end. And did David Stone level up during his second offseason with the program? If so, he could team up at defensive tackle with Gracen Halton to give OU a disruptive combo of interior rushers.
Going deep
OU has the makings of one of the better rushing attacks in the country in its backfield, but its impact depends heavily on stretching the field with the pass. If his play last season is any indication, Mateer could still use some work there. Washington State’s success going downfield last season seemingly had as much to do with receiver Kyle Williams’ skills as a downfield threat than the throws Mateer was making.
Of the numerous problems with OU’s throwing game last year, the lack of chunk plays was glaring. The Sooners produced just 20 plays in 13 games that gained 20-plus yards, the third fewest in the entire country. The absence of any targets who could consistently get open or win balls down the field likely factored into that.
It’s not clear if that hole in the roster has been filled. Perhaps Mateer’s accuracy on deep throws tightened up in the offseason?
Rookies on the OL
OU put out a depth chart on Monday that is clear as mud at some positions. One thing that did stand out: Hyped freshman Michael Fasusi is sharing the top line at left tackle with upperclassmen Jacob Sexton and Luke Baklenko. Another touted newcomer, Ryan Fodje, is backing up Febechi Nwaiwu at right guard.
If you buy the buzz coming out of preseason camp, Fasusi won’t be sharing the first-string designation with Sexton much longer. Likewise, Fodje’s rapid development may force offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh to give him a starting spot in the coming weeks. We should know more about the prospects for the pair this season after they debut on Saturday.
Other games on my radar
I don’t remember the opening week of the season ever being this loaded. Admittedly, I preferred it when the results of showdowns like Ohio State-Texas carried more weight in the national championship picture, but it’s still fun.
Auburn at Baylor
The Tigers could be a QB away from fielding a scary squad. Maybe they got one in OU refugee Jackson Arnold? He gets an early test here from Baylor head coach and defensive mad scientist Dave Aranda.
Texas at Ohio State
This matchup between two of the preseason favorites for the national championship doesn’t require much more buildup. The result could come down to Texas’ overhauled offensive line versus Ohio State’s revamped defensive front.
LSU at Clemson
I’ve expounded in recent weeks on my hesitancy to get on the Clemson train. Dabo Swinney’s team gets a shot to prove itself worthy of the hype right off the bat. Don’t underestimate the frustration of LSU and coach Brian Kelly with all the losses lately in season openers.
New Mexico at Michigan
I mention this only because I will have it on a second screen somewhere to see what Underwood is bringing to the table.
Notre Dame at Miami
The Fighting Irish don’t have many games on the slate this year that look like potential losses, but this is one of the few. Head coach Mario Cristobal keeps restocking Miami’s cupboard, and the Hurricanes are bringing more firepower into this matchup than ND.
Through the Keyhole teams up with Homefield
Through the Keyhole is joining forces this season with Homefield Apparel to bring you the best in college sports apparel. Throughout the month of August, the Can’t Miss Kickoff event will include drops for an incredible amount of new items, so treat yourself to some new Homefield gear celebrating the start of the college football season.
Picks and Recs: Adidas Own the Run Climacool 3-Stripes Tee
I’m not a runner anymore, but you don’t have to be to enjoy this shirt. You can get it in short or long sleeves, and the wicking material is perfect for humid climates.
Unfortunately, this specific shirt seems to be disappearing from stores. If you can’t find it, the Train Essentials Camouflage All Over Printed T-Shirt makes for a good alternative.