Big 12/SEC Breakdown: Bill Haisten Talks Oklahoma Pigskin

The Big 12/SEC Breakdown welcomed longtime Tulsa World columnist Bill Haisten to break down the state of college football in Oklahoma. With both the Sooners and Cowboys in the spotlight for very different reasons, Haisten shared sharp insights with Tyler Jones and Thomas Bridges on where things stand.

Oklahoma Shows SEC Readiness

The Sooners face Auburn in their first SEC matchup, and Haisten believes Brent Venables’ squad is more than prepared. He praised Oklahoma’s defense, calling it “violent, physical, and ready for the SEC,” while quarterback John Mateer has unexpectedly vaulted into Heisman contention. The one lingering question? OU’s ability to run the ball consistently. “If they can hit 160 yards a game on the ground, they’ll be a complete team,” Haisten said.

Jackson Arnold’s Pressure at Auburn

On the other sideline, Auburn’s Jackson Arnold returns to Norman, adding a dramatic storyline. Haisten warned the young quarterback might feel pressure to play hero against OU’s defense: “He’ll want to shock the world, but that can lead to mistakes.” The matchup sets the stage for a crucial early test of both programs’ SEC credentials.

Oklahoma State at a Crossroads

The conversation then shifted to Stillwater, where Oklahoma State is reeling after a blowout loss to Oregon and years of decline. Haisten pointed to soft recruiting, shaky offensive line play, and Mike Gundy’s strained relationship with OSU leadership as major concerns. “This feels like Gundy’s final season,” he said, suggesting the longtime coach may soon walk away rather than be pushed out.

Haisten added that OSU’s donor base appears hesitant to invest heavily until a coaching change is made. Without clear leadership, the Cowboys’ future looks murky compared to their in-state rivals.

As OU looks playoff-ready, Oklahoma State faces existential questions about its direction. One thing’s certain: football in Oklahoma is at a pivotal turning point.
Listen to “Big 12/SEC Breakdown: Bill Haisten Talks Sooner Revival” on Spreaker.