The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to return to the College Football Playoffs in 2021 after a one-year hiatus. Last season there were some growing pains for a relatively young team.

Offensively head coach Lincoln Riley was breaking in a new starter at quarterback. Unlike the previous three passers, Spencer Rattler had never started a game at the collegiate level. His youth showed up on film early on. As the season progressed, so did his growth and maturation. A huge reason why he is the Heisman front-runner this early on.

Prior to the season even kicking off, running back Kennedy Brooks opted out of the season and Rhamondre Stevenson was still on suspension. The team leaned on T.J. Pledger and freshman Seth McGowan to help them get through the early stretch of the season. Stevenson eventually returned and became the feature back the offense missed. He was able to carry the load and ultimately become the team’s leading rusher despite only playing in six games. Stevenson led the team in rushing attempts, yards, yards per carry, and touchdowns.

On defense, the team was able to generate pressure and big plays. However, the return of Ronnie Perkins only made them better. His pass rush ability along with Nik Bonitto gave them a dynamic one-two punch off the edge. On the back end, they had depth and experience with Tre Brown, Tre Norwood, and Brendan Radley-Hiles. They have to replace all three in 2021, Radley-Hiles is currently in the transfer portal and it remains unclear which way he is leaning.

According to Brad Shepard of Bleacher Report, the Sooners are missing one key element to be a contender in 2021.

Next, the one key piece missing