The Oklahoma Sooners are set to kick off their 2024 season, marking their debut as members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with an exciting home game against the Temple Owls. If you’re wondering Where To Watch Temple Owls Football Vs Oklahoma Sooners Football, we’ve got you covered with all the essential game day information.
This highly anticipated matchup will take place on Friday, August 30th, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. CT at the iconic Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Get ready for a historic night as this game marks the first-ever Friday night home game for the Sooners!
How to Watch and Listen to the Temple vs. Oklahoma Game
For fans eager to watch the game live, here are the viewing and listening options:
- Television: Catch all the action on ESPN. Anish Shroff, the renowned play-by-play commentator, will be joined by 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware and Paul Carcaterra in the booth to provide expert analysis and commentary.
- Live Streaming: If you prefer to stream the game, ESPN provides streaming options through their ESPN app and website. You can access the game online via ESPN.
- Radio: Tune into the Sooner Sports Radio Network to listen to the game broadcast. You can find radio affiliates in your area or listen online through The Varsity Network.
- Live Stats: Follow实时 updates and detailed game statistics on StatBroadcast to stay in the loop with every play.
- Game Notes: For in-depth pre-game analysis and team information, you can access the official game notes here.
Game Day Preview: Oklahoma Sooners vs. Temple Owls
This game is not just another season opener; it’s a significant milestone for the Oklahoma Sooners. As they embark on their 130th season and their first in the SEC, the Sooners, currently ranked No. 16/16 nationally, are looking to make a strong statement.
Opening Kick Storylines
- Historic First: This Friday night clash is a first for Oklahoma at home, adding extra excitement to the season opener. The Sooners have a strong history in Friday games, boasting a 60-19-2 overall record, though most have been on the road.
- Season Opener Success: Oklahoma has historically dominated season openers, holding a 100-23-6 all-time record. They are currently on a seven-game winning streak in season openers and have won 13 of their last 14. At Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, their record in season openers is an impressive 83-12-4, with 17 straight home opener wins.
- Preseason Ranking: For the 25th consecutive season, the Sooners are ranked in the preseason AP poll. While their No. 16 ranking is lower than usual, history shows that lower preseason rankings can fuel successful seasons, as seen in 2000 and 2015.
- Venables’ Third Year: After improving to a 10-3 record in Brent Venables’ second season, the Sooners aim to build on that momentum. Last season’s team showed resilience and finished ranked No. 16 despite narrow losses.
- Temple’s Challenge: The Temple Owls, coached by Stan Drayton, are looking to improve after two consecutive 3-9 seasons. While they have faced struggles recently, they bring a history of winning seasons from 2015-19 and will be eager to start the season strong against a ranked opponent.
Series History and Connections
- Rare Matchup: Oklahoma and Temple have only met twice before, both in the 1940s. The Sooners won the first meeting in 1940 but lost the second in 1942. This game marks a renewal of a long-dormant series.
- Coaching Connections: Temple’s head coach, Stan Drayton, has familiarity with Oklahoma’s rivals, having served as an assistant coach at Texas from 2017-21. Additionally, Owls linebackers coach Chris Woods was previously a defensive specialist at Oklahoma from 2015-17, adding an intriguing layer to the coaching matchup.
New Faces and Returning Talent
- Roster Turnover: Oklahoma continues to see significant roster changes, with 55 newcomers joining the program in 2024. This follows a trend from last season, emphasizing Venables’ efforts to reshape the team. Despite the changes, key returning players provide a foundation of experience.
- Returning Starters: The Sooners bring back 11 starters from last season, with a strong defensive core returning. Key defensive players like Billy Bowman Jr., Danny Stutsman, and Ethan Downs are expected to lead the charge. On offense, experienced receivers like Jalil Farooq and Andrel Anthony return.
- Freshman Impact: A significant portion of Oklahoma’s depth chart is comprised of freshmen, indicating the program’s youth movement. Sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold is set to make his second career start, stepping into a leadership role.
Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Celebrates 100 Years
2024 marks the 100th season of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, “The Palace on the Prairie.” This game will be part of the centennial celebrations, adding to the historic atmosphere.
- Historic Ground: Since 1925, the stadium has been a fortress for the Sooners, boasting an incredible 418-86-15 all-time record.
- Anniversary Celebration: Expect special recognitions and celebrations throughout the season to commemorate this milestone year for the stadium.
Honoring Championship Legacy
Adding to the game day excitement, Oklahoma will honor its 1974 and 1975 national championship teams at halftime, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ’74 title. Former defensive lineman and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Dewey Selmon will also be recognized.
Home Field Advantage
- Dominant at Home: Oklahoma’s home record is exceptional, with a 140-13 record since 1999. This home-field advantage is a significant factor for the Sooners.
- Sellout Streak: The Sooners boast a remarkable streak of 153 consecutive sellouts for originally scheduled home games, demonstrating the unwavering support of their fanbase.
SEC Transition and Challenging Schedule Ahead
- New Conference, New Challenges: This season marks Oklahoma’s entry into the SEC, bringing a new level of competition.
- Toughest Schedule: The Sooners face one of the nation’s most challenging schedules, with multiple preseason top-15 opponents, including Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee. This game against Temple is crucial to build momentum for the tougher matchups ahead.
New Coordinators, Familiar Faces
- Offensive and Defensive Changes: Oklahoma has new play-callers on both offense and defense. Seth Littrell takes over as offensive coordinator, and Zac Alley joins as co-defensive coordinator, bringing fresh perspectives while maintaining familiarity with Venables’ system.
Quarterback Spotlight
- Arnold Era Begins: Sophomore Jackson Arnold officially steps into the starting quarterback role, replacing Dillon Gabriel. Arnold showed promise last season and is poised to lead the Sooner offense.
- Experienced Backup: Casey Thompson, a seventh-year player with extensive college experience, provides valuable depth and leadership in the quarterback room.
Don’t Miss the Game!
The Temple Owls vs. Oklahoma Sooners game is set to be an exciting start to the 2024 college football season. Make sure you know where to watch Temple Owls football vs Oklahoma Sooners football so you don’t miss a moment of the action. Whether you’re cheering from Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium or watching from home, it’s time to gear up for Sooner football!
