Thanksgiving Leftovers: What the next several days should hold for OU Brent Venables and the fans in a tight schedule..

Thanksgiving Leftovers: What the next several days should hold for OU Brent Venables and the fans in a tight schedule..

Thanksgiving Leftovers: What the Next Several Days Should Hold for OU

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and, for many, an overload of leftovers. For the Oklahoma Sooners, this sentiment applies metaphorically to their football program, as they look to wrap up the 2024 regular season and prepare for what lies ahead. With critical decisions, challenges, and opportunities looming, the next several days will play a crucial role in shaping the immediate and long-term future of OU football.

1. Focus on the Big 12 Title Race

Oklahoma’s chances at a Big 12 Championship aren’t entirely within their control, but they’re still alive. The Sooners need to focus on finishing their season strong and hope for favorable outcomes from other key conference matchups. With Bedlam now a memory, OU must turn its attention to ensuring they close the year with momentum, whether that means taking advantage of potential tiebreaker scenarios or preparing for a marquee bowl game.

A strong finish to the season could also serve as a statement to the Big 12 as OU bids farewell to the conference. It’s a chance to leave on a high note before embarking on their journey to the SEC. The next few days will be critical for game-planning and ensuring the Sooners are mentally and physically prepared to make their final push.

2. Bowl Game Speculations and Preparations

The Sooners are virtually guaranteed a bowl game, but the destination remains uncertain. Whether it’s a New Year’s Six bowl or another high-profile matchup, speculation will dominate the coming days. OU fans will be eager to see where their team lands and who their opponent might be.

For the coaching staff, preparing for a bowl game offers an opportunity to develop younger players and evaluate areas for improvement. The practices leading up to the bowl will also serve as a springboard for 2024, providing valuable reps for players who could take on larger roles next season.

3. Recruiting and Retention in Full Swing

With the early signing period less than a month away, the Sooners’ recruiting efforts are entering a critical phase. Thanksgiving weekend often serves as a key time for hosting recruits, making final pitches, and locking in commitments. For Brent Venables and his staff, retaining the current class while adding a few late additions could make all the difference.

At the same time, the transfer portal looms large. While it officially opens in December, preliminary conversations and evaluations are already underway. OU must balance recruiting high school talent with addressing immediate needs through transfers. Ensuring current players stay committed to the program will also be a top priority in the coming days.

4. Building Toward the SEC Transition

Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC is a topic that will dominate offseason conversations, but the groundwork is already being laid. The coaching staff and administration will use the next several days to evaluate where the program stands and how they can position themselves for success in college football’s most competitive conference.

This includes everything from roster construction to facilities improvements and strategic planning. The SEC move will also play a role in recruiting pitches, as players and families weigh the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

5. Brent Venables’ Leadership on Display

Thanksgiving provides a natural moment for reflection, and Brent Venables will undoubtedly use this time to evaluate his team and staff. The Sooners have experienced both highs and lows this season, and the way Venables leads the program through the final weeks of the year will set the tone for the offseason.

Venables’ ability to motivate his players, instill confidence, and keep the fan base engaged will be key. The holiday season offers a chance to reset and refocus, ensuring the team is ready for whatever challenges come their way.

6. Fan Energy and Rivalry Chatter

Oklahoma fans are as passionate as they come, and Thanksgiving weekend often serves as a time to engage in spirited discussions about the program’s direction. Whether it’s debating the end of the Bedlam rivalry, analyzing the team’s readiness for the SEC, or speculating about potential bowl opponents, fan energy will remain high.

The Sooners’ performance in the coming days will either amplify or alleviate these conversations. A strong finish to the season could quiet some critics and build excitement for what’s to come.

For Oklahoma, the Thanksgiving leftovers represent more than just another helping of turkey and stuffing. They symbolize the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as the Sooners prepare for the final games of 2024 and begin laying the foundation for their SEC future. The next several days will be critical, not just for finishing the season strong, but for positioning the program for long-term success. With so much at stake, there’s little time to waste.