National Columnist Mike Farrell is here with the 3-Point Stance, ranking the Big 12 top-tier defensive lines for next season, some Pac-12 coaches under pressure, and which coach needs a better season — Steve Sarkisian or Brent Venables.
Top Big XII Defensive Lines
— Let’s continue to roll through the top defensive lines in the Power Five with the Big 12.
1. Texas
— The interior should be excellent, led by Byron Murphy, and there is great depth. An elite pass rusher needs to emerge but should.
2. Cincinnati
— Dontay Corleone is a name many don’t know, but they will as the NFL loves him, and this is a sneaky good and deep group with upside.
3. Texas Tech
— Jaylon Hutchings leads the group I think will be the toughest to run against in the Big 12.
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4. TCU
— Damonic Williams is one of the best interior linemen in the conference, and this three-man front opens things up for the LBs.
5. Oklahoma
— It’s not the usual big-name group for the Sooners, but Ethan Downs has a chance to be special, and Rondell Bothroyd is a key addition from the portal.
Pac-12 Coaches Under Pressure
— Pressure in the Pac-12? It’s not really present as few, if any, coaches are on the hot seat. But these guys will still be under pressure.
1. Deion Sanders, Colorado
— With his roster overhaul from the portal and all the attention paid to him, he’s going to be scrutinized more than anyone else in the country.
2. Justin Wilcox, Cal
— He’s probably the only coach on a somewhat hot seat in the conference, as his 30-36 record and three straight losing seasons weren’t in the blueprint.
3. Jedd Fisch, Arizona
— From 1-11 to 5-7 last season, a bump to a bowl game is expected this year, and a step back won’t be a good look.
Under the Microscope: Sark vs. Venables
And finally, who needs a better season heading into the SEC in 2024 — Sark or Venables? Putting a twist on our coach debates, let’s ratchet up the heat a little bit. We’ll dive into who needs a better 2023 season – and why.
Brent Venables had the worst debut season for the Sooners of any coach since John Blake, whose tenure marked the nadir of the program in the past half-century. No matter what he says about Mario Cristobal, his performance in his inaugural season left a lot to be desired, especially among the Sooner faithful. His saving grace at the moment is the fact that he pulled in a great 2023 class and is on track to land some big fish again in 2024.
On the field, Venables’ once formidable defense was average at best against a Big XII that has, on average, significantly less talent than Oklahoma. If that unit plays up to its talent in 2023, it could leave the Big XII on a high note after dominating the conference for the entirety of its existence. If not, there will be a growing chorus of Sooner fans wondering if he’s truly the right man for the job.
Steve Sarkisian has been the subject of constant debate since he took over the USC program back in 2014. His much-documented demons seem to (hopefully) be behind him, which is especially crucial under the microscope that is the Longhorn football program. Since arriving in Austin, he’s done an outstanding job recruiting and has subsequently seen the product on-field improve.
Yet, despite showing improvement in year two, it is unlikely that 8-5 will again satiate the mob in burnt orange. With a favorable schedule outside of a week two tilt in Bryant-Denney Stadium, the expectations are that the Longhorns should be in the conference title game. Should they come up short, it could be disastrous for Sarkisian.
Although it’s unlikely that either will be fired, the answer to the question posed at the top – who needs a better 2023? – is Sarkisian. Between the fact that he’s been in Austin longer than Venables has been in Norman and the general impatience of Texas and its fans, a dismal season could lead to his dismissal.
