Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Seven Sooners pivotal to OU’s success in 2023

By Chip Rouse

Oklahoma's Billy Bowman (5) celebrates an interception with Danny Stutsman (28) and Jeffery Johnson (77) in the first half during the Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov., 19, 2022.
Oklahoma's Billy Bowman (5) celebrates an interception with Danny Stutsman (28) and Jeffery Johnson (77) in the first half during the Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov., 19, 2022. /
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Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners place kicker Zach Schmit (34) kicks a field goal against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners place kicker Zach Schmit (34) kicks a field goal against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /

K Zach Schmit

In the past two seasons, Oklahoma has played in 10 games determined by one score. There is a good chance the Sooners will find themselves in a few close games this season. Extra points and field goals play a huge part in close games, which is why it is important that when Oklahoma is able to get itself in field goal range, it has a kicker who can capitalize on the scoring opportunity.

Touchdowns are always better, but three points are always better than no points. Zach Schmit handles the field goal, point-after and kickoff duties for the Sooners. He was a perfect 53 of 53 on extra-point tries, but just 12 of 18 on field-goal attempts last season with a long of 44 yards. He needs to improve on that 67 percent accuracy rate in the coming season.

A field goal could definitely be the difference between a win and a loss. The Sooners need to be able to count on their field-goal unit to come through more than 67 percent of the time.

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