George Stoia: Venables' Best OU Defense? John Mateer Year 2 Progress

Summary

That SEC Football Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode: George Stoia: Venables' Best OU Defense? John Mateer Year 2 Progress
Date: July 28, 2026
Host: Michael Bratton (SEC Mike), with Cousin Shane
Guest: George Stoia, Sooner Scoop

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Overview

This episode, recorded at SEC Media Days, features a deep-dive conversation with George Stoia (of Sooner Scoop) about Oklahoma football as they enter a pivotal year. Main topics include Brent Venables’ potentially best defense yet, the progression and expectations for quarterback John Mateer in his second year, key staff and roster moves, and a tough upcoming schedule. There’s also candid discussion on the offense under Ben Arbuckle, the impact of new tight ends and coach Jason Witten, and bold SEC predictions.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Oklahoma Turnaround and Roster Strength

• The mood around Oklahoma football has changed dramatically from last year’s uncertainty.
• Stoia views this as Brent Venables’ best roster on paper in his OU tenure, with expectations to make the playoff if the team performs as projected.
  • “This is a team that I believe is the best roster on paper that Brent’s had in his time.” (George Stoia, 02:48)

Defensive Strengths — Depth and Consistency

• Last year’s defensive leap came from outstanding depth; little drop-off when subs entered, especially up front and in the secondary.
  • “When guys came out of the game, they didn’t lose anything.” (03:59)
• This year’s starting eleven is potentially the best yet, but depth beyond the starters is a key question.
• Confidence in Venables and his staff to keep developing young defenders is high.
  • “You just kind of feel confident that Brent Venables and his defensive staff are going to do that.” (04:43)

John Mateer’s Year Two: Progress and Pressure

• Major adjustment last year moving from Washington State to high-profile OU, plus the gauntlet of SEC defenses.

• Mateer now seems more comfortable and better understands the outsized expectations for OU QBs.

• Stoia notes a focus on improvement in key areas: fewer turnovers, more TDs, efficiency.

  • “Oklahoma doesn’t need John Mateer to be the Heisman Trophy winner... you really just need him to be a little bit better than last year. Fewer turnovers, throw a few more touchdowns, be more efficient.” (George Stoia, 07:36)

• Fascinating detail: Mateer working with Sam Bradford on film study and mechanics.

Notable Quote

• “The expectations are honestly unrealistic at Oklahoma.” (George Stoia, 06:43)

Schedule Outlook and Its Challenges

• Oklahoma’s schedule once again looms as one of the toughest in the country.
• The early game at Michigan (Week 2, at the Big House) is seen as a season-defining moment.
  • “That game, to me, is the biggest … propelling them.” (George Stoia, 09:19)
• The schedule’s first five games are brutal; Stoia says getting out at 3–2 or ideally 4–1 is essential.
• OU even moved its season opener to Friday to get an extra day of Michigan prep.
  • “That tells you what Brent Venables and his coaching staff think of that Michigan game.” (10:16)

Playoff Scenarios for OU

• Given the schedule, Stoia sees a plausible path for a 9–3 or even 8–4 Oklahoma to be in playoff consideration, depending on results across the country.
  • “If Oklahoma gets in at 9–3, they're sneaking in the back door because somebody else fell apart in a different conference or maybe in the SEC.” (George Stoia, 11:36)

The Run Game, O-Line Continuity, and Tight End Revamp

• Oklahoma’s tight end group was a liability last year, but the position is completely rebuilt with key transfers and the addition of Jason Witten as tight ends coach.
  • “The tight end room… was horrifically bad last year… that group should be just a total 180.” (George Stoia, 12:49 & 14:25)
• The offensive line returns all five starters, plus an SEC starter from Arkansas, which should further fuel improved run game.
• Expect more use of 12 and 13 personnel packages, aiming for better power football in short-yardage/red zone.

Jason Witten’s Coaching Future

• Witten was brought in through long-standing connections in the football world, notably DeMarco Murray and Brent Venables.
• Stoia predicts Witten will be a head coach—college or NFL—within five years.
  • “That guy’s a head coach. He’s got head coach written all over him.” (George Stoia, 15:35)

Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle and the Offensive Scheme

• Arbuckle has promise, but remains unproven—Stoia admits skepticism is fair after just one season.
  • “This year’s a big test for him because… last year, a lot of people were saying Ben Arbuckle’s gonna get hired right away… I pump the brakes on that. He’s still got a ton to prove as a young offensive coordinator.” (George Stoia, 16:54)
• Bringing in veteran analyst Kevin Wilson (significant pay bump) is expected to directly aid Arbuckle’s growth and schematic refinement.
  • “I think Kevin Wilson's fingerprints are going to be on this offense a little bit more.” (George Stoia, 17:40)
• Scheme vs. execution: opposing coaches like Arbuckle’s system, but execution, especially from quarterback and skill positions, lagged. All-22 tape shows open receivers not found, misreads on RPOs.
  • “There were moments in games where guys are running open or they’ve blocked the scheme up right and the running back doesn’t hit the hole or something falls apart… Arbuckle does have that mind of he can design things up really well…” (George Stoia, 20:49)
  • “I think they need to… take it a little bit out of Mateer’s hands in terms of making those [RPO] decisions, because he didn’t make a lot of great decisions last year.” (21:33)

Changing Narratives & Pressures

• The rollercoaster of public/program perception is a theme, with big swings from preseason anxiety to Playoff euphoria last year.
  • “The narratives always shift, right. Every year we come here and… it just flips like that.” (George Stoia, 19:16)
• Even with an improved team, more wins are not a guarantee with the tougher SEC slate.

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Memorable Quotes

• On OU's defensive depth:
  “The starting 11 is the best that I think they’ve had. But what made Oklahoma so good defensively last year is when guys came out of the game, they didn’t lose anything.” (George Stoia, 03:54)

• On John Mateer’s adjustment to OU:
  “The expectations are honestly unrealistic at Oklahoma… Not that John didn’t know that, I just don’t think until you, you experience it, do you really understand the weight that comes with that.” (George Stoia, 06:43)

• On the new tight end group:
  “The tight end room… was horrifically bad last year… but now… that group should be just a total 180.” (George Stoia, 12:49 & 14:25)

• On Jason Witten’s trajectory:
  “I don’t think he’s going to be in Oklahoma very long. And that’s a good thing. That means he’s doing a really good job because I think he’s going to get promoted quickly.” (George Stoia, 15:35)

• On Ben Arbuckle’s development:
  “He’s still got a ton to prove as a young offensive coordinator. I think one thing that’s really going to help him this year… is they elevated Kevin Wilson… I think his fingerprints are going to be on this offense a little bit more.” (George Stoia, 16:54–17:40)

• On the impact of “bold takes”:
  “I could see [LSU] finishing with eight or less wins… I’m just not a believer in them.” (George Stoia, 23:13)

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Notable Timestamps

• 02:17 — Mood shift for OU football; Venables’ progress
• 03:38 — Analysis of OU’s defense and depth
• 06:05 — John Mateer’s Year 2 adaptation, expectations, and improvements needed
• 08:40 — The brutal 2026 schedule; Michigan game as early proving ground
• 10:59 — Playoff pathway for Oklahoma—how many losses can they afford?
• 12:34 — Run game, offensive line continuity, upgraded tight ends (and Jason Witten’s coaching influence)
• 16:32 — Questions about OC Ben Arbuckle, staff moves, and scheme confidence
• 19:16 — Narrative changes, skepticism, and expectations after last season’s swings
• 20:31 — Discussion of scheme vs. execution, All-22 breakdown, need for improved running and QB play
• 23:13 — Bold SEC takes: skepticism regarding LSU and Ole Miss

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Final Takeaways

• For Oklahoma, key upgrades at tight end, returning offensive line starters, and depth-building on defense could mean a higher ceiling—but execution, especially on offense, must improve.
• John Mateer doesn’t need to win a Heisman, but must be steady; the schedule requires resilience.
• Ben Arbuckle and the offensive staff are in a “prove-it” year, with closer oversight and more experience around them.
• Jason Witten is seen as a rising coaching star, and could be short-lived at OU due to opportunity.
• George Stoia’s boldest predictions are skepticism on LSU (and Ole Miss) living up to preseason hype amid internal/external distractions.

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Follow George Stoia at @GeorgeStoia on X and at SoonerScoop.com.

Transcript

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[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

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[George Stoyas]

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[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

All right, we're here at SEC media Days. George Stoyas, Sooner Scoop. What's up, man?

[George Stoyas]

What's going on, guys? It's a yearly trad to jump on with you all.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

Yeah, mouthful.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

You say that ten times fast.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

Stoia. Stoya. Stoya. Stoya. But the first time coming off a trip to the College Football Playoff, I mean, I feel like this time last year we were like, man, is Brent Venables going to make it?

[George Stoyas]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

How big of a 180 is it for Oklahoma football right now? Big.

[George Stoyas]

I mean, and you know, it's been talked about today, the vibe this year versus last year is completely different. And I think there was a part of us that knew Oklahoma had a good football team, but what was that going to look like? Their schedule was one of the most difficult in the country, maybe the most difficult in the country. And I don't think it ended up being that way. When you look back at it, like, yes, they played some really good football teams and they were able to win in Knoxville, in Tuscaloosa down the stretch. And, you know, but LSU wasn't as good as people thought they were going to be. Missouri wasn't as good as, you know, Texas wasn't as good, but they beat Oklahoma, like, so it was a huge deal for Oklahoma to have that momentum coming off of a losing season and for Brent Venables to have that. I think Jim Nagy and the front office staff have helped, too, with, you know, roster building. And, you know, they have like a top five class in 2027 right now. They went out and got a bunch of good players in the portal. Now it's about like they've gone 6 and 7, 10 and 3, 6 and 7, 10 and 3. You got to buck the trend this year, right? If you're Brent Venables, like, this is a team that I believe is the best roster on paper that Brent's had in his time. And it should be a playoff team. Like, and I know this, we'll probably go over the schedule. It's extremely difficult again this year. But this is a team that if. If they really are what they believe they are, they should win 10 games again and be back in the playoff, in my opinion.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Seems like last year we were talking about just how great Oklahoma defense is, and we're doing our game preps. You know, we're talking sooner ball, and I'm looking at all these guys coming back ye. And I'm like, damn, not only did they get stouter, but they got older. And is this the best defense you've seen over there?

[George Stoyas]

I think so. The starting 11 is great. The starting 11 is the best that I think they've had. But what made Oklahoma defensively so good last year is when guys came out of the game, they didn't lose anything, right? Like, when, you know, David Stone came out of the game, you had Grayson Holton who just went, you know what, in the second or third round of the NFL draft, our Mason Thomas and Taylor Wine. And you had all these guys across the board where you could rotate even at safety or corner or wherever, linebacker. And you felt, I mean, you had Owen Heinecke, who was just a nobody before last season, coming in. He's, you know, an all SEC type of player by the end of the season. Like, do they have that same type of depth this year? That's the question. I think on paper, again, the first 11 is going to be stellar. But when they, you know, are the third or fourth drive of the game and they, they like to rotate, they like to play 22, 23, 24 guys on defense, can those guys hold up? And I think that you just kind of feel confident that Brent Venables and his defensive staff are going to do that. Right? Like they're going to develop guys, they're going to have guys ready to play. So you know, Oklahoma has a championship defense. And to your point, Shane, like, I think they're going to be really good again this year. How good? We'll see. But they'll be good enough to win a lot of football games. To me, it's all about the offense. How much better can John Mateer be? How much better can the guys around him? Can this offensive line that returns five starters, like, can they live up to the hype? Can they build on the experience they had a year ago? That's the big question for Oklahoma is can they score some more points? Because. And I really don't think they need to be all that much better. We saw it last year, they won games in an ugly fashion.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Right.

[George Stoyas]

And just playing great defense. But if that offense can be a little bit better, guys, I think Oklahoma is going to be really darn good.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

Well, I know you've been chronicling the John Mattier whereabouts everywhere he's been this offseason.

[George Stoyas]

Yeah, I'm just kind of stalking him.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

Has he kind of relayed at all? Because I can't imagine him coming to Oklahoma and just the fanfare. I'm sure he knew a lot of it was coming. But then, you know, you just look at like the chipotle guy story, Dr. Shin, I mean all this stuff being thrown at him. Do you think he's in a better position mentally to handle all this going into year two?

[George Stoyas]

Yeah, I think the Dr. Shin experience and like people showing up to his like surgery with OU pennants and stuff was quite the eye opening experience for Johnny's like, wait, what the hell's going on? These fans are craz. But I do think though that speaks to like him coming in last year when you play quarterback at Oklahoma and especially over the last decade with the names that have played the position at the university, the expectations are honestly unrealistic at Oklahoma. And I think that, not that John didn't know that, I just don't think until you, you experience it, do you really understand the weight that comes with that? A good, a good, a good example of that is Dylan Gabriel, when he came to Oklahoma in 2022, and obviously the circumstances were different. They had a whole new staff. Lincoln Riley had just left, but it took him a whole year to adjust. And you saw he was a much better player for Oklahoma in 2023 than he was in 2022. I think you can kind of expect that from John. I mean, you guys saw him, you talked to him today. He just seems more confident in himself. And not that he wasn't last year. I just don't think he really knew what was going on, whether it was his new teammates or new coaches or just the atmosphere of what it's like to be quarterback at Oklahoma versus at Washington State. And I guess that's a bit of a slide at Washington State, but it is what it is, you know, and playing in the environments that you do in the SEC and the defenses, like, one of my stats I keep throwing out there is OU faced eight top 31 defenses last year in the SEC. At Washington State, he faced two top 50, no top 31. It was like Boise State was 36th and Washington was 50th in 2024. So just the. The level of play, Mike, I think, was a huge difference for him. So to adjust to that, adapt to that, I think has been big. And then obviously, the injury, overcoming that, working on his throwing motion, you know, studying film with Sam Bradford, which I find fascinating, and all of those things he's put in all the work this offseason. But I do think the biggest thing for him, he just feels more comfortable in understanding the expectations that come with the position. And the truth is, guys, Oklahoma doesn't need John Mateer to be the Heisman Trophy winner this. This coming season, right? That'd be awesome if he did, right? Like, if he won the Heisman, it'd be like, okay, that's awesome. You know, oh, you is going to be really freaking good, but you really just need him to be a little bit better than he was last year. Fewer turnovers, throw a few more touchdowns, be more efficient. You do the little things, right? Oklahoma's going to win a lot of football games because of that defense, because they think they're going to run the football better. Like, all of those things add up. So I think he just has a better awareness of what they're kind of asking him to do.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Well, I. You're talking about schedule, and it is, buddy, it's a doozy. Well, everybody wants to talk about Georgia, Everybody wants to talk about the Red river, but, you know, one of the games John Mateer mentioned when he was over here was Michigan. How big is that game? Week two on the road, up at the Big House. It's huge.

[George Stoyas]

I mean, look at last year, guys. The Michigan game really propelled that Oklahoma team into being like, okay, Oklahoma can compete to make the playoff. Like, that was when the conversation started was when they beat Michigan at home. And John Mateer was really good in that game. And, you know, they were efficient offensively. I think they only scored like 24 points, but they were efficient. They played well. If they can go on the road. And right now, I think they're an underdog. I want to say they're like a one and a half or two and a half point underdog. If they can go on the road and beat a Michigan team that I know they got a new coaching staff and some new players, I think they're going to be better this year. Bryce Underwood, in his second year, Kyle Whittingham, obviously a great football coach. Like, that's going to be a tough game in week two. I think that game, to me, is the biggest, you know, the biggest game early in the year, at least from that standpoint of propelling them. Because if you lose that game, man, the pressure's on against Georgia Texan, the pressure is always on, right against Texas. But you got to get through that first five game stretch at least to three and two. If you're not. If you're two and three, man, you're in a really bad spot, right, because you still got A and M on the back end. You got to go to the Swamp. You got Ole Miss at home like Missouri, who I think's going to be a tough game on the road to end the season. Like, you got to get to 3 and 2 and really, I think you got to be 4 and 1 and I think Oklahoma can get there. I don't know how it. How they get there, but they got to get somewhere around 3 and 2, 4 and 1. But certainly if you can win that Mission game, you're feeling good about yourself, and then you get, you know, I think, what is it, New Mexico after that? And then you've got Athens, then a bye week, then Texas. So you get some weeks off there kind of between those other big games, but certainly the Michigan game, you know, and I'll tell you guys this, you know, oh, you moved their season opener against UTEP to Friday night because they wanted an extra day to prepare for Michigan. So that tells you what Brent Venables and his coaching staff think of that Michigan game. They know it can be a big difference maker and it's ultimately the reason why you got into the Coach Football playoff. Last year was a tough non con win over Michigan.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Yeah, because we talk about it, you know, like last year there's no reason a 10 and 2 sec team shouldn't get in and then Vanderbilt doesn't, you know, and now we're like, you know, we keep going through it like Oklahoma schedule so tough. Can a 9 and 3 get in? I don't know. Do you see a scenario where a three loss Oklahoma could make the playoffs?

[George Stoyas]

I do, but it totally depends on the, the teams around them. Right. Because I, I do. Like last year I think I told you guys, I was like, if Oklahoma can get to 9 and 3, they'll be in the playoff discussion. They should probably be in the playoff with their schedule. I think I'd say that again this year. It just totally, every year is different in college football. You know, last year he had so many teams that were sitting there around 10 and 2 and so that, you know, caused some of the, you know, whatever you want to call it, the debate around, you know, Texas at 9 and you know, at the end of the year Texas was, I think playing some of the best football in the country and probably should have been in at 9 and 3. Vanderbilt like you mentioned at 10 and 2. So I certainly think that there's a path, but it probably mostly depends on everybody else. Like I think if Oklahoma gets in at 9:3, they're sneaking in the back door because somebody else fell apart in a different conference or maybe in the sec. You know, I think you'd have to have like the losses would have to be to, you know, a top five Georgia team, you know, you know, a top five Texas team, maybe A and M's in the top, you know, 10 and you lose to them or something. You know, I, I don't think you can drop like to Mississippi State at NB 9 and 3 and get in.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

I feel like it's Michigan and Texas. With Ohio State last year kind of, if you, if you stumble, even though it's early, they're going to keep going back to that game.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

I listen to you guys a lot at Sooner Scoop and it seems like for six months you guys have been talking about the running game.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

And will it get going? I'm sure. You know, there's so many different factors. People look at the offensive line and running backs, but with new tight ends being brought in, coach Jason Witten coming in to coach the position, how big could that be? In being a catalyst for Oklahoma to be able to run the ball.

[George Stoyas]

Dude, the tight end room, I'm just, I'm going to be really blunt, was horrifically bad last year and that's no shot at Jaren Canik who actually ended up having a great year statistically. He didn't play tight end, you know, he was like a, a slot, a big slot receiver basically. He wasn't being asked to block and when he was asked to block, he wasn't very good at it. So they've totally rehauled that room and to me that could be the difference in this team actually running the football because they wanted to run some, you know, 12 personnel last year and every time they did it was a disaster. It was not any good. So you go out and get Hayden Hansen from Florida, who, you know, four year guy at Florida, understands SEC ball. I mean he's like six, seven, you know, 270. I mean that's what you want, a tight end as a blocker, right? You get the Jack Van Dorseller kid from Tennessee who, you know, I know dropped the pass against Oklahoma on that. Was that a fourth down that he dropped down?

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Yeah.

[George Stoyas]

But hey, maybe had some money. They think, they think he's going to be really good player, you know, and I know he's young and we'll see what he ends up. But you get Rocky Beers, who I know he's got a great, great name, right? You like the name. But he was a good player for Colorado State, you know, 64250 like they've really upgraded that position. Then you add on top of that you have Jason Whitten coaching the position. One of the greatest to ever do it like that. I can't imagine a position at Oklahoma being better any better than a year ago than tight end like that. That group should be just a total 180. And that should make everything easier whether it's, you know, red zone, red zone targets and getting the ball to the tight end for touchdowns like Jaren Cannock. As good as a year as he had, he didn't score a touchdown. You know, I think that those guys could help John Mateer. But then, you know, the running game, running some 12 and 13 personnel, which we saw them do some in the spring and you know, wanting to do some different things schematically in the run game, that could be huge. And then obviously the offensive line too. I think that you can't overstate enough how important it is getting those five guys back that have all, you know, had starting experience and, you know, Gelling, and you bring Marion Harrison from Arkansas, starting right tackle in the sec. So Jim Nagy and his staff, I think, did a really good job of, you know, finding some guys at different positions to really upgrade them offensively.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

How much of that was Nagy with Jason Whitten? Just kind of curious because that was

[George Stoyas]

a, you know, not much, honestly. The, the connection for Whitten in Oklahoma was DeMarco Murray, who obviously played with Jason in, in Dallas with the Cowboys, but then DeMarco left right after. He's now with the Chiefs as the running backs coach. So there was a connection there. And then Brent obviously had connected with Jason through recruiting. His son, Cooper Whitten, who's like one of the top linebackers in the 2027 class, currently committed to Oklahoma. So he'd been up and around the program a lot over the last few years and kind of got to know the staff. And I think also, you know, Jason is one of those guys that he just wanted to get into college coaching. And we'll see what ends up happening with Jason Whitten as a cultural coach. I think in the next five years he's going to be a head coach. And I don't know if it's in college football or in NFL. Like, if you told me Jerry Jones in the next few years said, you know what, I'm just going to hire Jason Wynton. I believe it. You know, Shane, I wouldn't be shocked if, you know, I don't know what's going to happen with Josh Hyple. You've got a better idea of that. But if he were to leave or something were to happen, I mean, why wouldn't Tennessee give a swing at Jason? I can just tell you, talking to Jason Witten, that guy's a head coach. He's got head coach written all over him. I don't think he's going to be in Oklahoma very long. And that's a, that's a good thing. That means he's doing a really good job because I think he's going to get promoted quickly. So I certainly think that that tight end room should be a lot. In a lot better shape because of him. And, you know, I think Nagy knew him obviously previously, but I think there were some other connections there, too.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Yeah, I never knew Monday Night Football was in the realm, you know, and next thing you know, he's doing it.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

So how big of a question mark is Ben? Our bucket, though. We call him Grubhub Shane. Shane can't. He doesn't think he's the. He's the right guy for the job.

[George Stoyas]

Really?

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

Yeah. Why?

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

I just got to see it, man. I mean, there's been big game opportunities. I feel like it got too big for him a few times, so. But again, this is year two, so, no.

[George Stoyas]

And I think after one season sample size, I think you're not wrong to believe or have that. That opinion. I think that Ben's got a lot to prove this year and, you know, from my understanding, he went back and I think is changing not a lot. Schematically, they're going to come out and run the high formation, but they're going to go under center. They're going to change some things up in the run game. I think they're going to make some things easier for John Matier. You know, I think there was also times last year that John Mateer just missed. Missed people. You know, Ben Arbuckle schemed things up and Mater didn't see it. You know, you got guys running wide open and he's got to throw the football and, you know, our guys got to execute in those moments. So I think that this year's a big test for him because last year I think a lot of people were saying even early in the year, like, man, Ben Arbuckle is going to get hired right away. He's going to go be a head coach, like immediately. I pump the brakes on that. He's still got a ton to prove as a young offensive coordinator. I think one thing that's really going to help him this year, Shane, is they elevated Kevin Wilson, who, if you guys know Kevin Wilson, he was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, then he was the head coach at Indiana, then OC at Ohio State, then head coach at Tulsa. Been all over the place, very highly regarded. Last year he was just an offensive analyst. He was making 100 grand this year. What's what caught my attention, they upgraded that to half a million dollars and, and he's now a senior offensive analyst. I think his fingerprints are going to be on this offense a little bit more. And I think Ben Arbuckle is a young guy. You know, he's 30, which I'm 30, which is crazy that he's calling plays and I'm sitting here with you guys. But, you know, but he's, he's a young guy, Kevin Wilson. He's in his 60s. He's been around college football. He knows the game. He's considered one of the, you know, bright offensive. I think having somebody like that in his back pocket, that can help him. Give him, you know, some advice and maybe have a little bit more, you know, I don't know about say, or whatever in the offense. I think that's only going to help him. So this is a prove it year for him, though, because if OU goes out and they're. They stink on offense again for a third straight year, and I know it's just been second year, but third straight year of the offense just being terrible, then I think if you're Oklahoma, you got to be like, do we need to start over again at offensive coordinator?

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

Well, we were. We were discussing how things change over a year. I mean, it was this time last year we were hearing Lincoln Riley and Baker Mayfield 2.0 is what Oklahoma got. Now we're questioning them. So it's just kind of funny how that all plays out, doesn't it?

[George Stoyas]

Yeah, the narratives always shift, right. Every year we come here and it's like, again, like last year, it was almost like walking on eggshells around Oklahoma because it's like, man, if things go south and early in the season, man, this could look really bad. And all of a sudden they were able to do what they were doing. And even late in the year, you know, they lose to Ole Miss at home and it's like. And they got to go to Tennessee and Alabama the next two weeks, they're. They're screwed. And they go in those games and, you know, and they. And all of a sudden you're like, man, they're going to beat Alabama in the playoff. They're up 17 to nothing. And it just flips like that. So we'll see. You know, I think they're going to be better on offense this year. How much better? I don't know. I think they're going to be really good on defense. How good? I don't know, but I think that this team is a better team than last year. That doesn't mean they're going to win more games. You know, I just said that on. On Fine Bomb show. Like, I think they're a better team. That doesn't mean that they're going to go 10 and 2. They could easily go 8 and 4, you know, because the schedule's so tough

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

and the last thing I want. I feel like I'm just asking Arbuckle questions at this point, but I don't know if you saw it in the. The Athlon magazine. You know, they have the anonymous coach comments. And I think of all the Southeastern Conference anonymous coach comments, Oklahoma was the most interesting because they mentioned Ben Arbuckle and how the scheme, how much whoever this coach was said he liked it. They have answers for everything because.

[George Stoyas]

Interesting.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

That didn't translate to me watching it. But again, that tells me that the coaches, whoever that was, likes what Oklahoma is running, but that tells me they didn't trust the personnel to execute.

[George Stoyas]

Yeah. Or they're blowing a bunch of steam up their butt and just trying to make it

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

give him an extension.

[George Stoyas]

Yeah, they're like, yeah, keep them around a little bit longer. No, but I do think, though, that, like, if you go and watch the All 22 from last year, and again, I'm not trying to say that it's all on, you know, John, or it's all on, you know, the players not executing. There were moments in games where guys are running open or they've blocked the scheme upright and the running back doesn't hit the hole or something falls apart. And you can see, like, Arbuckle does have that mind of he can design things up really well or have a play call where you're like, man, what a great play call. But he's also like a lot of other young offensive coordinators where it's fourth down. It's like, what are you running on fourth and one? Why are you in shotgun, you know, throwing a fade? Right. Like, what.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

What's going on?

[George Stoyas]

You know, he has those moments, too, so I think that he's learning a lot. It's just like I said earlier with Jon and facing all those defenses. Ben Arbuckle also faced all those bad defenses at Washington State. So I think him adjusting to that, learning from it, is a big step in the right direction. And I do like his scheme. I think they need to get rid of the RPO a little bit, take it a little bit out of Matier's hands in terms of making those decisions, because he didn't make a lot of great decisions last year in the rpo. So if you can do that and if you can just turn around and run the freaking ball, I think that that would help everybody, because that's one thing they didn't have last year. When things went wrong offensively for Oklahoma. It was like, hey, John, can you bail us out and make a great play? And he just couldn't do that. I mean, he had a broken hand. And, you know, I hate bringing that up, but, like, it's true. And, like, that was. Oklahoma's offense, was, hey, John. And Isaiah Satania bail us out. And, you know, I don't think they. They had anything else they could do. Whereas if this Year. You can say, hey, things aren't working, but, hey, we know we can run the football. I think that that's why that's been such a huge topic this offseason. Last thing I've got is Eddie such

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

a big deal that he doesn't even have to do media days anymore.

[George Stoyas]

I know, man. Hey, man, he's. He's at home. He. His, his sister just got married, so congratulations to her. So I think he had some family stuff going on with that, but I know, I mean, come on, what are we doing out here? Some of us have to work. It doesn't mean more to Eddie Radosevich, that's for sure.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

And he absolutely nailed it when we asked him for a bold take.

[George Stoyas]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

So now we're going to throw it to you.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Oh, man.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

We're here thanks to Tennessee legend. The best Tennessee whiskey you could buy. So the Tennessee legend, boldest take heading into sec. Could be Oklahoma. Could be anything SEC related. You got something for us?

[George Stoyas]

Well, I think I'm going to go with what I told Shane earlier. I think LSU is not going to be good. I mean, I say that there's a lot of people that think they're like a national title contender this year or a team that can win the sec. And maybe they can. I don't know. I can't sit here and tell you, you know, everything about their roster. I just think with all of the external stuff that's gone around that program this past year, all the external that comes with Lane Kiffin and the circus that that is, you know, Sam Levitt and coming off of an injury, like, I just don't think I'm a believer in the Tigers. And I guess my bold take is like, I could see them finishing with eight or less wins. I don't even know what is their over under. Is it like nine and a half?

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

I think it's eight and a half.

[George Stoyas]

I would take the under. And maybe. I don't know if that's a bold enough take for this segment of your show. I'm just not a believer in them. I just, I. I really think that there's too much going on. And I almost would say the same thing about Ole Miss. It seems like everybody's high on ole Ms. And LSU, and I'm like, man, that's a lot to, to, you know, take on as a new head coach. If you're Pete Golding or Lane Kiffin, I just, I'm not a believer in those teams. Seven and a half. Seven and a half. I think I would probably take seven or eight for. For Ole Miss. I just. And I could be totally wrong. I love Trinidad Chambliss. I love Kewan Lacey. I just think that some of the magic that happened with that team last year happened because of all the extra stuff. Can they carry that into this season? I have no idea. But I'm not a believer in lsu. That's my hot take.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

All right, George, before you get out here, tell our audience where to follow you and where to find your work.

[George Stoyas]

Yeah, you can find me on X eorgestoya S T o I A and you can find my work on soonerscoop.com you can sign up for $1. So pretty good promo.

[Host 1 (Sooner Scoop)]

Even Shay could afford that.

[George Stoyas]

Oh, yeah.

[Host 2 (Sooner Scoop)]

Next Monday.

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