OU 3-2-1 kickoff: Can Sooners end Brent Venables' debut season with Cheez-It Bowl win?
NORMAN — OU concludes its season with a Cheez-It Bowl matchup against Florida State at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Orlando, Florida.
The Sooners (6-6, 2-6 Big 12) ended their regular season with a 51-48 loss to Texas Tech on Nov. 26, while the 13th-ranked Seminoles (9-3, 5-3 ACC) ended their regular season with a 45-38 win over Florida on Nov. 25. Here's a look at some key points to watch when the two teams play:
More: What OU football players, coaches said at Cheez-It Bowl media day
3 players to watch for OU vs. Florida State
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel: The redshirt junior hasn't given a definitive answer when asked if he plans to return to OU next season. Gabriel has experienced his ups and downs this season, but he's the Sooners' most valuable player due to their lack of quarterback depth. Thursday's contest could be his final one in an OU jersey.
Running back Jovantae Barnes: Star running back Eric Gray opted out of the Cheez-It Bowl to prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, and redshirt junior running back Marcus Major hasn't been practicing due to a right foot injury. This leaves Barnes as the Sooners' lead ball carrier. The freshman has looked good in Gray's shadow this season, but he'll get a chance to shine in Orlando.
Linebacker Jaren Kanak: Even though veteran linebackers David Ugwoegbu and DaShaun White are expected to play Thursday, OU would be wise to give Kanak some reps. The freshman's game is far from polished, but he has a ton of upside. OU wasn't expecting to play in a lower-profile bowl such this season. Still, the game provides an opportunity to develop players of the future such as Kanak.
More: Why Jovantae Barnes' lead role in OU's Cheez-It Bowl game is a 'dream come true'
2 big questions for OU vs. Florida State
Who will step up for the short-handed Sooners? OU's roster has been decimated with opt-outs such as Gray, defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, and offensive linemen Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris. Then there's wide receiver Theo Wease, who has already transferred to Missouri. The Sooners have lost a lot of key pieces since the end of their regular season. It'll be interesting to see who steps up on Thursday.
Can Brent Venables end his first year with a bowl win? The first year of the Venables era has been a disappointment. And while the campaign can't be fully salvaged with a Cheez-It Bowl win, it can end with momentum nonetheless. The Sooners are surely looking toward the future, which can start with a good win over a good Florida State team.
Tramel's ScissorTales: Why won't Dillon Gabriel say he'll be back to OU football in 2023?
1 wild prediction for OU vs. Florida State
OU's defense will score a touchdown: The group hasn't pulled that off yet this season. Still, OU's defense has racked up five interceptions and one recovered fumble in its last two games. It's due to take one back to the house.
—Justin Martinez, Staff writer
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Can Brent Venables end first season with win vs. FSU?
