The Sooners are 3-3 after getting absolutely punched in the mouth, falling 21-13 to Kentucky on Saturday, and it’s looking like offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh are running out of time to fix this mess. After scoring just three points in the entire second half and committing four turnovers against one of the worst defenses in the SEC, Arbuckle needs to figure things out, and fast, before history repeats itself in the worst way.
Arbuckle Takes The Heat, But Is It Enough?
Let’s be real, giving up four turnovers and being held to just 346 yards, plus a pathetic three points in the second half, that’s just not gonna cut it. Arbuckle stepped up and took “full responsibility” for the bad plays, saying he designs and calls them, so “if something bad happens, I believe it falls back on me.” That’s the right attitude, but responsibility won’t win games. The defense, which is actually fifth nationally, deserves way more help than this. We’ve seen this movie before, too. The last time the Sooners were in this kind of offensive slump, scoring a combined 12 points in back-to-back blowouts, Venables cleaned house and replaced OC Seth Littrell. Losing to Kentucky, and then potentially struggling against a Mississippi State team that’s 98th in total defense, could easily force the same kind of mid-season move. And with Arbuckle being the quarterbacks coach and not having Bedenbaugh’s long track record, he’s definitely feeling the most heat.
Mateer’s Struggles And The Head-Scratching Play Calling
So, about John Mateer, the starting quarterback. It’s a huge question mark why he’s still out there. Arbuckle insists Mateer “gives us the best chance to win,” pointing to his preparation and who he is as a player. But let’s look at the facts: Mateer hasn’t evolved since last year. He threw a killer pick-six against Kentucky, just the latest in a string of critical mistakes since he transferred in. Three interceptions last week! And here’s the kicker: when this offense *does* find something that works, they abandon it. Seriously? They had some real success running the ball in the first half against Kentucky, and then they just… stopped. That’s when teams can tee off on Mateer, who makes mistakes under pressure. Lloyd Avant showed what he could do against Texas, rushing for 72 yards on 10 carries. He’s been the best option in the backfield, far and away! Use him! Bedenbaugh has a bit of an excuse with “a barrage of injuries up front” and years of “sustained excellence” before now, but the line still has to give Mateer a chance, or protect him if the passes keep coming.
This Saturday, the Sooners head to Mississippi State, and there’s a chance their star quarterback Kamario Taylor won’t even play. If the Sooners can’t beat a Mississippi State squad potentially missing their star QB, especially after struggling against Kentucky’s defense, Arbuckle’s words might not be enough to save his job. This next game isn’t just about getting a win; it’s about proving they can actually stick to a game plan and use the talent they’ve got.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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