Building a dream SEC schedule for OU in 2024
Sure, it to be nice if OU could face nine Southeastern Conference opponents when the Sooners join their new league in 2024, but here's what OU beat writer Ryan Aber is hoping to see when the SEC releases each school's opponents on June 14:
1. Texas: A no-brainer. This one is absolutely happening every year and thank goodness it is.
2. Texas A&M: The Sooners had a longer rivalry with Missouri but the Aggies are the more interesting matchup now. Plus, any chance there is to see the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band needs to be taken advantage of.
3. Arkansas: It's just stunning that the Sooners haven't played in Fayetteville for more than a century. That needs to be fixed quickly upon the move to the SEC.
4. South Carolina: Virtually everyone loves Shane Beamer. In Norman, Spencer Rattler doesn't exactly enjoy the same status, but a Rattler return to face OU — if he takes advantage of the COVID year — would be fantastic.
5. Tennessee: Josh Heupel left OU on bad terms, but as the last quarterback to win a national championship for the Sooners, it would be perfect to honor him as he returns to coach the Vols against his alma mater.
6. Vanderbilt: Just basing this on location. Nashville's a great city.
7. Ole Miss: Lane Kiffin becoming one of college football's most endearing personalities has been very unexpected, but he's also made the Rebels a tough matchup. And Sooners fans will love The Grove — even if it makes them grumble about the tailgating situation in Norman.
8. Kentucky: One Stoops running the show and one as an assistant? Where have we seen this before? Mark Stoops is UK's head coach. Mike Stoops is the Wildcats' inside linebackers coach and another former OU assistant — Jay Boulware — coaches running backs and special teams.