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Sooners’ quarterback Spencer Rattler has fallen to sixth in Bleacher Report’s Heisman power rankings. While the Sooners are a perfect 3-0 on the young season, they have stumbled into those wins behind uncharacteristically shaky quarterback play. BR’s David Kenyon does not view Rattler’s Heisman candidacy as dead in the water; however, he makes it clear that the young quarterback is trending down in September.

In two games against FBS competition, Oklahoma has clipped Tulane 40-35 and held off Nebraska 23-16. Rattler managed a combined 7.1 yards per pass attempt in those matchups, totaling 560 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions.

Without a doubt, he’s trending down.

As we introduce changes to the group of favorites, though, Rattler shouldn’t be eliminated. Oklahoma is 3-0, and a massive performance against West Virginia or Kansas State would begin to erase his underwhelming start to 2021. Whether you expect that to happen is where opinions may diverge.

Kenyon is correct that Rattler is capable of turning things around. Yes, he’s been shaky in the pocket. And yes, he’s missing receivers. But on arm talent alone, Rattler deserves the benefit of the doubt until either Oklahoma loses a game or he completely bottoms out.

Nebraska’s “2 high” safety set is nothing new. Lincoln Riley is too good of a coach to let deep coverage become Rattler’s undoing. This week’s game vs. West Virginia provides Rattler and the offense a tremendous opportunity against a quality secondary. Pro Football Focus ranks the Mountaineers defensive back groups as the fifth best secondary in the country.

If Rattler can jumpstart the vertical passing game against a formidable WVU defense, they can get right back on track.

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