Oklahoma assistants Ben Arbuckle, Bill Bedenbaugh running out of time to fix offense

Oklahoma assistants Ben Arbuckle, Bill Bedenbaugh running out of time to fix offense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

History tends to repeat itself, which is why Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh should be on high alert heading into the Sooners’ next two games – at Mississippi State on Saturday and at home against South Carolina on Oct. 31.

If star quarterback Kamario Taylor doesn’t play for Mississippi State, then an Oklahoma loss in either game would come against a team the Sooners should probably beat. That would justify staff changes Oklahoma typically doesn’t make midseason. The Sooners rank fifth nationally in total defense, and that unit deserves more help.

Arbuckle accepted responsibility after the Sooners were held to 346 yards, committed four turnovers and were held to three points in the second half of a 21-13 loss to Kentucky on Saturday.

"I take full responsibility for those (bad) plays, whenever they happen," Arbuckle said. "Ultimately, I’m the one who calls the play out there. I’m the one who designs it, and if something bad happens, I believe it falls back on me."

The last time the Sooners (3-3) removed a high-level offensive coach mid-season, Venables replaced offensive coordinator Seth Littrell in 2024 after the Sooners scored a combined 12 points in back-to-back blowout losses to Texas and South Carolina and fell to 4-3.

The Sooners are experiencing similar futility now. Scoring just 13 points against Kentucky – one of the worst defenses in the SEC – is inexcusable. Following that by struggling against a Mississippi State squad that ranks 98th in total defense might be enough to force a move.

Why has OU continued to stick with John Mateer as its starting quarterback? Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle was asked that question and explained why the Sooners still believe Mateer gives them the best chance to win. “We believe that John Mateer gives us the best chance to win.” Here’s Arbuckle’s full response:

— The REF (@KREFsports) October 20, 2026

It would be harder to let go of Bedenbaugh mid-season after 13 ½ seasons of service. He has an excuse – there has been a barrage of injuries up front. And he had years of sustained excellence before the recent problems.

Arbuckle doesn’t have Bedenbaugh’s track record, so he is feeling the most heat. He is the quarterbacks coach, and Mateer has not evolved since last year. Mateer threw a costly pick six against Kentucky, just the latest in a long run of critical mistakes he has made since transferring in.

The other issue is more egregious. When the Sooners find something that works, they don’t stick to it. When they have success running the ball, they abandon it and teams tee off on Mateer. When Mateer is pressured, he makes mistakes.

Arbuckle said despite Mateer's three interceptions last week, he remains the starter.

"Throughout everything that he’s done, the player that he is, the preparation that he has, we believe that John Mateer gives us the best chance to win," Arbuckle said.

Lloyd Avant showed what he could do against Texas, rushing for 72 yards on 10 carries in the upset win. He has been far and away the best option in the backfield. The Sooners had some success in the first half running against Kentucky. And yet again, Arbuckle went back to throwing all the time and virtually abandoned Avant.

MORE:Better days appear likely for Oklahoma offense

Oklahoma has trusted assistant Kevin Wilson waiting in the wings, should a move be made. Wilson was an offensive line and tight ends coach for Bob Stoops at Oklahoma from 2002-2010 and was later offensive coordinator for some very good Ohio State offenses. He now is Oklahoma’s assistant head coach for offense.

Wilson’s resume indicates he could conceivably fill in for either Arbuckle or Bedenbaugh. If the Sooners don’t get it together on offense this week, it’s a matter of time before Wilson’s job description changes.

More College Football news:

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• Oklahoma offensive line coach Bedenbaugh's unit gets called out
• Oklahoma Sooners football schedule and results
• Texas Longhorns football schedule and results