Five game two improvements for Oklahoma is probably a good start based on the quality of this week’s opponent.\u00a0 In addition, the only positive from game one is it wasn\u2019t a loss.\u00a0 By the same token, even the most positive fan couldn’t be pleased with the performance<\/a> and more importantly the mentality of the Sooner squad.<\/p>\n With this in mind, let us begin the discussion pertaining to five game two improvements for Oklahoma.<\/p>\n Consistency was definitely the tag line for game one.\u00a0 Being that as it may, there was absolutely no consistency in any area for the Sooners.\u00a0 For example, the effort put forth by players was hit and miss.\u00a0 To clarify, at times the offense was elite and other times they seemed disinterested.\u00a0 Surprisingly, it was the same on the other side of the ball.\u00a0 Specifically, the defense has been the focus of improvement in Fall practice.\u00a0 To summarize, the defense was as much to blame as the offense. \u00a0By and large, it’s easy to see that talent on the Sooner defense.\u00a0 The defense just was not consistent, play to play.\u00a0 The defense seemed to settle in after a somewhat rocky start.\u00a0 Once again, consistency and complacency reared its ugly head.\u00a0 As could be seen, the defense failed to show up physically or mentally in the second half.<\/p>\n Given the excitement heading into this season, the lack of focus was shocking.\u00a0 As an illustration, players on both sides of the ball literally quit at halftime.\u00a0 To put it in other words, players were shedding equipment and uniforms on the sidelines early in the third quarter.\u00a0 Particularly troubling that coaches were allowing behavior like this. Herein lies the problem, a lack of leadership.<\/p>\n In the long run, excuse time is over.\u00a0 Ultimately, anything less than a national championship run should be a disappointment in 2021.\u00a0 \u00a0From the day Spring camp began the Sooners have been of the mindset that anything less than a playoff win would not be acceptable.\u00a0 With that in mind, it’s time to stop with the excuses.\u00a0 Additionally, it’s time for everyone to do their job.\u00a0 Everything should be in place for a championship run.<\/p>\n It is important to realize that in today\u2019s college football environment it isn\u2019t enough to lay the crimson headgear on the 50-yard line and send opponents cowering in awe.\u00a0 Certainly, sheer talent isn\u2019t enough these days.\u00a0 Focus is needed to be successful.\u00a0 As an illustration, Oklahoma seemed focused approximately 40% of game one.\u00a0 To be sure, if Oklahoma hopes to compete for a national championship that level of focus must improve.\u00a0 With this in mind, the Sooners need to focus every day at practice, to begin with.\u00a0 Not only in the physical sense but also in the mental aspect of achieving the goals in front of them.<\/p>\n On the whole, if only one area of improvement were possible without a doubt it would be a culture change.<\/p>\n For one thing, year after year Oklahoma losses a game that they have no business losing.\u00a0 To be sure that culture must change. To demonstrate, the Sooners just haven\u2019t had that killer instinct under head coach Lincoln Riley<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0 In past years, Riley has been guilty of taking his foot off the gas with double-digit leads.\u00a0 Although this may be true, it was not the case in game one.\u00a0 Although the players clearly quit at halftime, everything goes back to culture.\u00a0 Coaching and player leadership clearly dictate a team\u2019s culture.\u00a0 To that end, Oklahoma will never compete for national championships until a culture change takes place in Norman.<\/p>\n In the final analysis, the Sooners lack leadership.\u00a0 As can be seen, Oklahoma clearly doesn\u2019t have a dominant on-field leader.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to understand players tend to mirror their leadership.\u00a0 Riley has to be the guiding force for a culture change at Oklahoma.<\/p>\n Importantly, there is definitely no lack of talent at Oklahoma.\u00a0 Although this may be true until there is a culture change the Sooners will have to be content with Big 12 championships.\u00a0 If the Sooners aspire to national championships or being competitive in the SEC the culture must change in Norman.<\/p>\nConsistency<\/h3>\n
Better Leadership<\/h3>\n
No More Excuses<\/h3>\n
Focus<\/h3>\n
Culture Change<\/h3>\n
The Final Word<\/h3>\n