The Oklahoma State Cowboys are facing turmoil, leading to speculation about potential changes in leadership. After a disappointing start to the season and simmering tensions between head coach Mike Gundy and the university’s board, rumors are swirling about his possible replacement. The name generating buzz? None other than Oklahoma Sooners’ offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle. This move would be a bold one, poaching talent from their biggest rival. This article breaks down the situation at Oklahoma State, examines Arbuckle’s qualifications, and explores other notable stories from around college football, including the rise of Illinois and the impressive performance of USF.
Gundy on the Hot Seat
Mike Gundy’s 21st season at Oklahoma State has begun turbulently. A public standoff with the board of regents, coupled with a $1 million salary reduction, set a tense stage. Recent headlines regarding Gundy’s comments on Oregon’s player compensation further fueled the fire, culminating in a demoralizing defeat. This loss marked the worst in Gundy’s career, surpassing even a previous 52-0 defeat. With a hefty $15 million buyout looming, the question isn’t just if Gundy’s seat is hot, but who could potentially succeed him in Stillwater.
Ben Arbuckle: A Potential Target
Within Oklahoma circles, some believe that Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle could be a prime target for Oklahoma State. At just 30 years old, Arbuckle has revitalized Oklahoma’s offense. Quarterback John Mateer, following Arbuckle from Washington State, has thrived in Arbuckle’s system. Mateer’s performance against Michigan, with three touchdowns and a high third-down conversion rate, highlights the impact of Arbuckle’s offensive strategies. Arbuckle’s track record of producing high-scoring offenses has made him a rising star in the coaching world since his days at West Texas A&M.
Arbuckle’s Meteoric Rise
Arbuckle’s coaching journey began as a quality control assistant at Houston Baptist, supplementing his income with a food delivery app job. He then played a key role in transforming Western Kentucky’s offense before taking over as play-caller. After WKU, he spent two years at Washington State, working with quarterbacks Cam Ward and John Mateer. His success has drawn comparisons to Zach Kittley, now the youngest head coach in the FBS. If Oklahoma’s success continues, Arbuckle could very well be in contention for similar head coaching opportunities.
Illini Rising
Bret Bielema’s Illinois squad is making waves after a strong 10-win season. Quarterback Luke Altmyer’s exceptional performance, marked by six touchdowns and a 75% completion rate, has been a key factor. One rival coach praised Altmyer as “a really good college quarterback who will win a s— ton of games there.” While Illinois may lack prominent headliners at the skill positions, players like Hank Beatty are emerging as breakout stars. The defense, despite losing key players, remains strong, particularly in turnovers and run defense.
“They’re a good team because they have good players everywhere who are very experienced and have all played in the same scheme for a long time,” a rival head coach said.
USF Bullish
USF is aiming to continue its impressive start to the season by upsetting a third ranked team in a row. Quarterback Byrum Brown’s exceptional performance, including a school-record streak of consecutive passes without an interception, is driving their success. Brown’s dual-threat capabilities make him a formidable opponent. His athleticism and arm strength have garnered attention, with one defensive back coach stating, “He can make every throw and he is fast. I think he’s a legit NFL guy.”
Shula Bowl
The Shula Bowl presents an intriguing matchup between first-year coaches Zach Kittley of Florida Atlantic and Willie Simmons of FIU. The focus will be on Florida Atlantic’s offense against FIU’s defense. FIU’s defense, led by coordinator Jovan Dewitt, proved challenging for Penn State. The Panthers have promising talent in their front seven, and there’s optimism surrounding the program’s direction under Simmons.
Vandy Encore
Vanderbilt’s upcoming game against South Carolina is a notable SEC matchup. Despite South Carolina’s ranking, Vanderbilt has shown more impressive performance thus far. Quarterback Diego Pavia’s leadership and the emergence of new playmakers have fueled Vanderbilt’s offense. There is a growing belief within the program that this year’s team is even better than last year’s.
Around the Country
- Clemson is off to a slow start, with concerns surrounding quarterback Cade Klubnik’s performance and the offensive line’s talent.
- Cal freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has generated excitement, showcasing arm talent and impressive throws.
Conclusion
The college football landscape is ever-shifting, with coaching changes, player performances, and team dynamics constantly in flux. The situation at Oklahoma State highlights the pressures and uncertainties faced by coaches, while the rise of coordinators like Ben Arbuckle showcases the potential for rapid advancement. Meanwhile, teams like Illinois and USF are exceeding expectations, demonstrating the importance of strong quarterback play and cohesive team strategies. As the season progresses, these storylines and others will continue to shape the narrative of college football.
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