Where Are the Sooners Ranked in CBS Sports’ Most Recent Bowl Projections?
As the college football season heats up, fans are keeping a close eye on how their favorite teams stack up in the ever-shifting bowl projections. For Oklahoma Sooners fans, this season carries heightened expectations as the team looks to return to national prominence under head coach Brent Venables. With strong performances so far, CBS Sports has recently updated its bowl predictions, giving a glimpse of where the Sooners might be heading at the end of the season.
The Sooners’ Strong Start
Oklahoma has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2023 season, with their high-powered offense and much-improved defense drawing attention. Venables, in his second year as head coach, has built on the team’s strengths while addressing key weaknesses from previous seasons, particularly on defense. The Sooners have been winning convincingly, which has bolstered their standing in national rankings and raised hopes for a major bowl appearance.
The team’s early success has been fueled by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has consistently delivered strong performances, along with a dynamic group of playmakers on offense. Meanwhile, the Sooners’ defense, a point of concern in recent seasons, has shown marked improvement under Venables’ guidance. This combination has Oklahoma sitting in a prime position to challenge for both a Big 12 Championship and a spot in a prestigious bowl game.
CBS Sports’ Latest Bowl Projections
In CBS Sports’ latest bowl projections, the Oklahoma Sooners are predicted to land in one of the premier New Year’s Six bowls. As of the most recent update, CBS has Oklahoma projected to play in the **Cotton Bowl**, a significant achievement for a program that’s looking to reassert itself as a national power after missing out on major postseason appearances in recent years.
The Cotton Bowl is part of the New Year’s Six, the most prestigious group of bowl games outside of the College Football Playoff. Landing in the Cotton Bowl would be a signal that the Sooners have regained their place among the top programs in the country, even if they fall just short of the Playoff.
Could the Playoff Still Be in Reach?
While CBS Sports currently has Oklahoma slotted for the Cotton Bowl, there’s still plenty of time for the Sooners to make a push for a College Football Playoff spot. The Sooners are one of the top teams in the Big 12, and if they can finish the regular season with an undefeated or one-loss record, they would be firmly in the conversation for one of the four coveted Playoff spots.
Several key matchups will determine Oklahoma’s fate, including the annual Red River Rivalry game against Texas and potential Big 12 Championship Game implications. If the Sooners can win these games and continue to dominate, they may rise in the rankings and force their way into the Playoff picture.
A Return to Prominence
Oklahoma’s presence in the latest bowl projections is a testament to the progress the program has made under Venables. After a rocky 2022 season in which the team missed out on a major bowl, the Sooners have bounced back in a big way. The potential for a Cotton Bowl appearance—or even a Playoff spot—reflects the work Venables and his staff have done in retooling the roster and establishing a winning culture.
For fans, seeing the Sooners projected for a major bowl is a return to normalcy. Oklahoma has long been one of the most storied programs in college football, and the expectation is always to compete at the highest level. While last season’s struggles raised questions, the 2023 Sooners are showing that they’re ready to get back on track.
What’s Next for Oklahoma?
As the season progresses, the Sooners will need to continue their winning ways to stay in contention for a top-tier bowl game. Every game matters, and Oklahoma can’t afford any slip-ups if they want to solidify their spot in the Cotton Bowl—or make a Playoff run. Key matchups will define their season, and how they perform in those critical games will ultimately determine where they land.
If Oklahoma can maintain their momentum and finish the season strong, CBS Sports’ prediction of a Cotton Bowl appearance could very well become a reality. However, if the Sooners exceed expectations and run the table, don’t be surprised if they crash the Playoff party.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma Sooners are well-positioned for a major bowl game, according to CBS Sports’ latest projections. A Cotton Bowl appearance would mark a successful season for a team on the rise, but the ultimate goal remains the College Football Playoff. As the season unfolds, Sooners fans have plenty to be excited about, and the team’s journey toward postseason glory is just beginning. Whether it’s the Cotton Bowl or something even bigger, Oklahoma’s bowl destination will be one of the most compelling stories to watch in the weeks ahead.
