How did Brent Venables' defensive changes impact Oklahoma's 2025 season?

By resuming defensive playcalling, Venables transformed Oklahoma's defense into one of the nation's elite units, leading to a successful season and CFP appearance.

What was Oklahoma's key victory leading into the College Football Playoff?

Oklahoma secured a crucial 23-21 win against Alabama on November 15th, showcasing Venables' defensive strategy.

How does Oklahoma's defense compare to Venables' past championship teams?

The current Oklahoma defense exhibits similar characteristics to Venables' championship-winning units at Clemson, particularly in its aggressive pass rush and run defense.

Home / Sports / Venables' Defensive Masterclass Fuels Sooner Comeback

Venables' Defensive Masterclass Fuels Sooner Comeback

20 Dec

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Summary

Venables reclaimed defensive playcalling, leading to a top-10 national defense.
Oklahoma defeated Alabama 23-21 in a crucial November 15th playoff game.
The Sooners boast the nation's top defense in sacks and tackles for loss.

Venables' Defensive Masterclass Fuels Sooner Comeback

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has orchestrated a dramatic turnaround by reclaiming defensive playcalling duties, leading to a resurgence for the Sooners. After a difficult 2024 season ending with a losing record, Venables' decision to personally guide the defense has yielded significant results. The team now boasts a top-10 national defense, marked by exceptional performance in points allowed, total defense, and run defense.

A pivotal moment arrived on November 15th with a 23-21 victory over Alabama, a win fueled by Venables' defensive masterclass. This triumph, achieved on the road against a highly-ranked opponent, showcased the unit's ability to generate pressure, force turnovers, and execute complex schemes. The defense's success has dispelled doubts about Venables' coaching future and solidified Oklahoma's status as a College Football Playoff contender.