Talking Oklahoma Sooners football with Tony Barnhart

It all begins tonight for the Oklahoma Sooners!

While the Temple Owls may not provide much competition, the Sooners are set to face some extremely challenging SEC opponents in the coming weeks.

I spoke with Mr. CFB, Tony Barnart, about OU's move to the SEC and their realistic expectations for this season.

Craig: How big of an adjustment will this be for the Sooners undergoing their first season in the SEC?

Tony: A couple of things you have to learn when you come into this conference. They've done a great job at Oklahoma, but it's not about just one week, it's about multiple weeks. It's like when they're going and playing Alabama, followed by LSU. It's a cumulative thing. The coaches in the league know this. The other thing that they'll need to learn is that the game is won on the line of scrimmage, not just the great offenses in this league. If you are not where you need to be on both sides of the line of scrimmage you will be exposed. The big question is if they can do it week after week.

Craig: You mention both sides of the ball and on the defensive side, I contend that OU might actually be carried by the playmakers they have on defense this year, guys like Billy Bowman and Danny Stutsman. Am I wrong to think that way?

Tony: I agree. You can win games in this league with a defense and an offense that knows how to control the ball. This whole first year with Oklahoma joining the mix is going to be so much fun. It's just a matter of how well they adjust.

Craig: Is the hype around Jackson Arnold legit? Is he the real deal?

Tony: Everything I've heard and read is that he's going to do a great job. We won't know until honestly, they're playing the Vols which will be a high scoring affair in Norman.

Craig: How many teams from the SEC do you have making the 12-team playoff?

Tony: I have four right now in my playoff bracket right now. I have Georgia, Texas, Alabama and the question is who grabs that fourth spot. Currently, I have it being Ole Miss, but it could eventually be Missouri, LSU or Texas A&M.

Craig: The Sooners don't have any shot in your estimation?

Tony: I don't think Oklahoma is there yet.