Paul Finebaum Names College Football Powerhouse That’s Always ‘Overhyped’

The Oklahoma Sooners have had a mixed start to their first season in the SEC. They have a 3-1 record but are coming off a big loss to the Tennessee Volunteers at home in Week 4.

The Sooners have been inconsistent so far, displaying strong defensive and weak offensive performance. The Sooners' defense ranks No. 28 in total defense, No. 50 in passing defense, No. 27 in rushing defense, No. 26 in scoring defense and No. 1 in turnovers forced.

On the other hand, the Sooners' offense has been disappointing, ranking No. 118 in total offense, No. 111 in passing offense, No. 101 in rushing offense, No. 77 in scoring offense and No. 69 in turnovers lost.

Paul Finebaum revealed on Saturday's "SEC Nation" that Oklahoma was overhyped before the season. Finebaum said people tried to make a case for the Sooners to be a playoff team when, in reality, they were "never" a playoff team.

"We tended to overhype them," Finebaum said. "We tried to make them, 'Man, if they can do this or that, they can be on the fringe of the playoff.' They were never going to be on the fringe of the playoffs. The reality is striking, and they're closer to 7-5 than 10-2."

The Sooners now head into their first SEC road game against the Auburn Tigers with a true freshman at quarterback. Michael Hawkins Jr. replaced starting quarterback Jackson Arnold in the first half against Tennessee after Arnold committed three turnovers.

Hawkins led two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, going 11-of-18 for 132 yards and one touchdown in the game, but the Sooners ultimately lost 25-15.

The Sooners take on the Tigers on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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