No one saw this as the story of OU football entering the second half of the season. But here we are. All eyes are on the offense. All eyes are on whether Brent Venables and company can fix the rest of the problem.

The OU defense was solid, borderline great. Special teams have done their part. But the crime has been historically lacking.

It can’t get any worse, can it?

Time to recap what was and look at what could be with SoonerScoop’s Unofficial 40 podcast. It’s a tense, tense week in Norman as South Carolina heads into homecoming.

The offensive solution is here?

You have to start there. Michael Hawkins Jr. is still the man, according to Venables. Jackson Arnold waits for his shot. We don’t know if OU will get receivers back to make their lives easier.

The offensive effort was, well, offensive in the loss to Texas. The fans, no one can tolerate a second week of such a performance.

What can be done in such a short time? Is it the play call? Schedule? Or the staff who arranges everything? No matter how you slice it, it’s not good.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, I promise. Guys like cornerback Eli Bowen showing that there are more defensive stars in the making for the Sooners.

However, defense shouldn’t be the problem against South Carolina. Can the offense score 20 points?

Fodje stands up

A big storyline will be whether OU can keep that 2025 recruiting class. Recruitment editor Josh McCuistion returns from seeing Ryan Fodje last week.

The Sooners will also have some big names visiting this weekend. I’m still trying to put together the last seats for the class.

All that and all the banter you’ve come to expect from SoonerScoop’s Unofficial 40 podcast.

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