Worry regarding Oklahoma starts with underperforming Spencer Rattler

Spencer Rattler was widely believed to separate himself from the pack this season. The preseason favorite for almost every offensive award he could win, the Oklahoma quarterback came into 2021 with immense hype.

However, Rattler’s underperformed relative to his potential so far. Now, many are wondering when we’re going to see the electrifying play that Rattler has proven to be capable of providing.

On The ESPN College Football Podcast, David Pollack joined Rece Davis to discuss his concerns with Rattler’s performance. Specifically, he was left wondering what the Oklahoma quarterback was thinking against Nebraska.

“I watched Spencer Rattler again this morning against Nebraska. I have so many examples in my notes — he’s gotta learn to check the daggum football down. He just drives me nuts,” Pollack stated. “He’s gonna force it into double coverage and force it into big zone windows way down the field.

“Once example I got, there’s not a guy within 25 yards of the running back coming out of the backfield. Nebraska played such deep zones, they were bailing out to take away deep passing windows — he’s gotta learn to take those windows.”

Evidently, Pollack’s frustration stems from a combination of things. First, he sees Rattler’s talent, and is tired of watching the quarterback not live up to it. Also, Pollack sees Rattler’s biggest flaw as an easily correctable problem — but it’s something that continues to plague him.

Pollack: ‘The offense is not what it should be with Spencer Rattler’

Moreover, Pollack recognizes that Oklahoma isn’t alone — every team in the country has flaws. However, every team in the country doesn’t have Spencer Rattler.

“Just like every other team in the country, we can point to things that there are flaws,” said Pollack. “Their offense is not what it should be with Spencer Rattler, who should be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. It should be high-flying and dynamic every week.”

So far this season, Oklahoma’s has been in tight contests with teams like Tulane and Nebraska due to their subpar offense. While the Sooners put up 76 points against West Carolina, nobody is putting any stock into that performance.

Luckily, Rattler’s uneven play hasn’t led to a loss yet. As the season progresses, the Oklahoma quarterback will have to play better during Big 12 conference play. 

This week, Oklahoma faces their toughest test yet in the West Virginia Mountaineers. Afterwards, back to back games against the Kansas State Wildcats and Texas Longhorns will show us what Rattler and the Sooners are capable of.

Under quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts, the Oklahoma offense was one of the nation’s best. While Spencer Rattler has potential to be the best of the bunch, he’ll have to start showing it in 2021.