5 things we learned about the SEC in week 2: A superstar pass rusher in the making

Through two weeks in the college football season, here's what we've learned about teams around the Southeastern Conference.

Aug 31, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Grant Wilson (7) is sacked by South Carolina Gamecocks edge Dylan Stewart (6) and edge Kyle Kennard (5) in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

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Five things we learned about the SEC: It could be a rough year for OU

So far, OU has pretty much flown under the radar. That's about what you'd expect for a team whose first two games have come against Temple and Houston—two squads that any top-25 team should have pretty convincingly blown out.

Well, they did so against Temple, though not quite to the satisfaction of their fans. Against Houston, though, things went from unpleasant to... unpleasant-er. I guess.

OU had trouble with Houston and only won by four. That's what I'm saying.

The vaunted Oklahoma defense does indeed look to be improved, but the run game in particular looks like a huge concern up in Norman. Against lowly Houston, the Sooners only averaged 2.75 yards per carry on 29 attempts—they just couldn't break through against the Cougar front.

OU fans put a lot of their hope in young Jackson Arnold, but he wasn't able to get them to pull away against Houston either. His numbers were poor; he only notched 174 yards on 32 attempts and also threw an interception to boot.

With the schedule that the Sooners have, this could be a long year for them. They need to get something figured out on offense—and quickly. Otherwise, it's not out of the question that bowl eligibility is in peril.

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