SEC Network's Chris Doering believes that Oklahoma is prepared to compete in the conference

I remember being at the National Championship a couple of years ago and seeing Chris Doering appear on an SEC Network pregame show. At the time, Stetson Bennett was about to play his final game as a Georgia Bulldog and complete a remarkable career with two straight titles.

Last night, while I was watching, the Rams pulled out a last-second preseason victory against the Cowboys. It made me think back to Doering’s words that day.

Chris grew up in Gainesville, Florida and always wanted to play close to home. Just like Bennett, Doering shared how he had to take the walk-on route and how inspired he was by the Gators who came before him. They even showed a picture with him and Emmitt Smith.

In the end, Chris exceeded all expectations, landing spots in the University of Florida and Florida/Georgia Halls of Fame. He also enjoyed a successful career spanning over a decade in the NFL.

Today, he still appears on the SEC Network and does excellent work every weekday morning with Peter Burns on SiriusXM's SEC This Morning.

It was wonderful to discuss Oklahoma Football with Chris Doering.

Craig: I'm seeing these top twenty polls in which as many as nine different SEC schools are ranked. The depth of this already great conference is somewhat to behold, is it not?

Chris: It's crazy to think about. There are probably four teams from the SEC that could make the playoffs and in my mind all of those nine that you alluded to are contenders for the playoff and those four spots. Having Oklahoma and Texas joining makes it even more challenging. I actually think it's going to be much easier to win a national championship, then an SEC championship in Atlanta.

Craig:So much of the Sooners success in their first SEC year will be on the shoulders and arm of Jackson Arnold. You saw him at SEC Media days a few weeks back. How impressed were you with him in person?

Chris: Just think about this. Dillon Gabriel was really successful in Norman, and they pretty much didn't even hesitate in letting him move on to Oregon. That's a great statement from the coaching staff about their confidence in what Jackson can do. He's only played a limited number of snaps in his college career, but I truly believe he's the future of OU.

Craig: Other than the lack of reps, any other concerns on Jackson Arnold?

Chris: You have to ride with the guy that you see as your future. Clearly, they feel he's that guy. He has a strong arm, I'm just curious about his decision making. He'll have some bumps and bruises along the way and will need to figure some things out but in spending time with Coach Venables in Dallas, he has a great feel for his program, what he's building in that area of the country and has a real appreciation for what he gets to do.

Craig: What's the fair amount of pressure there should be on Coach Venables entering year three?

Chris: I honestly think they're flying under the radar a little bit. All of the attention has been on Texas joining the SEC when I was in Dallas for media days. Nobody is really talking about Oklahoma, which is really ironic to me because they've been to the playoffs far more times than the Longhorns have, and they have dominated the series with Texas the last decade. Now, in fairness, the schedule is challenging in nature for Oklahoma, especially four of their five final games. I don't know if Oklahoma will reach Atlanta or not, but what I do know is that they're going to have a huge say who does get there.

Craig: You mention the schedule. How different will it feel when they're playing at these venues and not facing traditional opponents like Oklahoma State?

Chris: I hate with all of the realignment and the shifting of college football that we lose some of the traditional rivalries, although we do get Texas and Texas A&M back. OU and Missouri will become a great regional game yearly. College Football has to do a better job of maintaining the rivalries within your home state for those fan bases.

Craig: The leader of the Sooners without question is Danny Stutsman. Could he possibly win the Butkus Award in his first year playing in the SEC?

Chris: The history at that position with Oklahoma is so awesome. He will garner so much respect. Danny is one that will have the platform and by eliminating all of those 11am local games, he'll be on a national stage often and that will be a big contrast coming from the Big 12.