Oklahoma Football Ranked No. 19 in Coaches Poll, Big 12 Transitions to Historic Season
Football season is just around the corner, with less than three weeks until kickoff. The anticipation is building as Oklahoma’s final season in the Big 12 approaches. After a disappointing 6-7 performance last year, the Sooners are eager to take the field and redeem themselves. In a promising start to the season, Oklahoma has been ranked No. 19 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Being ranked at 19 is an ideal position for Oklahoma to begin the season. It allows them to exceed expectations and surprise people if they have indeed improved, which many believe they have. It also avoids overrating them too early, something that may have hindered the team last year.
This season will be a historic one for the Big 12 as familiar names like Oklahoma and Texas will depart for the SEC after the season. The conference will undergo significant changes, making this year’s competition one for the history books.
In the first must-watch TV matchup of the season, LSU and Florida State, both top-10 teams, will go head-to-head on Labor Day weekend. This highly anticipated game is set to take place on Sunday night, just before the NFL kicks off its season the following week. Last year’s meeting between these two teams was an exciting one, and with critical transfer additions improving both squads, this year’s game could be a barn burner. With both teams eyeing a spot in the College Football Playoff, a victory for either would provide a significant boost in their pursuit of a national championship.
While the majority of teams in the Coaches Poll are from Power Five conferences, Tulane stands out as the only Group of Five school to make the cut. Despite losing star players Tyjae Spears and Dorian Williams, who have since made their way to the NFL, Tulane still possesses senior quarterback Michael Pratt, who aims to lead the team to another prestigious New Year’s Six bowl appearance.
There is a sense of quiet optimism surrounding the Texas A&M Aggies this season. Coming in at No. 25 in the initial poll, the Aggies have long been anticipated to make a strong push. With talented recruiting classes over the years, expectations are high, and it is only a matter of time before those expectations are met. The performance of head coach Jimbo Fisher will be under scrutiny, and the coming season will be vital for his future at Texas A&M.
As football fans eagerly await the start of the 2023 season, the Coaches Poll offers an early glimpse into team rankings and sets the stage for an exciting and historic year in the Big 12. Oklahoma’s No. 19 spot presents an opportunity for the Sooners to prove themselves and climb the rankings, while the departures of Oklahoma and Texas will undoubtedly mark a significant shift in the conference. With thrilling matchups on the horizon and teams vying for championship glory, this season promises to be one that fans will remember for years to come.
