The Oklahoma Sooners are coming off one of their best offensive games of the season, but lost at home to the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats. Still, the Sooners managed to score just 13 points.
A big reason for the lack of scoring was the Sooners' inability to convert in the red zone, along with four turnovers. Oklahoma had four drives of 10 or more plays. That showed the offense could move the ball and convert first downs. However, the Sooners only scored one touchdown on those drives.
Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle discussed the team's red-zone struggles. He said getting back to basics and not beating themselves could be key on these possessions.
"We moved the ball down the field, but at the end of the day, we didn't finish in the red zone," Arbuckle
said. "You know, I don't want to sit here and talk about the improvement that was made and everything. I think it needs to be highlighted... at the end of the day, we have to score whenever we get down in the red zone. We can't settle for kick field goals."
For Oklahoma, improving red-zone efficiency must become a priority as the offense looks to turn progress between the 20-yard lines into meaningful results. Sustaining long drives is encouraging, but those possessions lose much of their value when the Sooners cannot finish with touchdowns. Eliminating turnovers and executing more cleanly in scoring situations would give the offense a better chance to capitalize on its opportunities and take pressure off the defense.
The Sooners will have another chance to address those issues against a struggling Mississippi State defense. With the season at a critical point, Arbuckle's offense needs to show it can carry its improved ball movement into the end zone. If Oklahoma can limit self-inflicted mistakes and become more decisive in the red zone, it could take an important step toward finding the consistency that has been missing throughout the first half of the season.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Ben Arbuckle expresses frustration with Oklahoma's red zone offense
