More than two years ago, the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns made their move to the SEC, leaving the Big 12. Since then, various conspiracy theories have surfaced about the Big 12 trying to rob the Sooners and Longhorns.
One theory revolves around officiating. Fans of those schools believe their teams have been unfairly officiated since the move. After calls in the win over the West Virginia Mountaineers, Sooner fans chanted “SEC” throughout the stadium.
Let’s examine the statistics.
In nonconference play, the Sooners averaged 7.3 penalties per game for 72.7 yards per game, ranking No. 114 in the country. Since Big 12 play, they’ve averaged 6.7 penalties per game for 52.9 yards per game, ranking No. 97.
The Sooners have actually been penalized fewer times in conference play than in nonconference play. I acknowledge the egregious no-call in Stillwater, but the numbers prove Oklahoma isn’t getting called for as many penalties since conference play began.
Their nonconference opponents were called for 7.7 penalties per game for 53 yards. In conference play, they’ve been penalized 5.0 times per game for 40.9 yards.
Brent Venables spoke about the officiating conspiracy theories in his Tuesday press conference.
“I don’t believe in conspiracies,” said Venables. “I’m not going to give them an excuse. I’m not going to let anyone else give them an excuse either. The opportunity that I have around them, my challenge is not to put it in anyone else’s hands. Play clean. Do the little things right. Sometimes it’s going to go for you, sometimes it’s not. Keep playing, keep fighting, keep working, keep believing, don’t get distracted.”
The answer you want your head coach to give. No excuses for why you lost a game. As you can tell, not only did the opponents’ penalties go down, but so did Oklahoma’s.
That nonconference number includes a game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves where Arkansas State was penalized 14 times for 111 yards. Removing that, Oklahoma’s nonconference opponents average 4.5 penalties for only 24 yards per game.
Are there some questionable missed calls in tight games? Absolutely. Is it because there is a big conspiracy against the Sooners and Longhorns? I just don’t buy that.
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Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.
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