Brent Venables loading up Oklahoma for rematch against Alabama
Oklahoma Coach Brent Venables walks along the sideline during a timeout against Kansas Saturday October 28, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
NORMAN, Okla. — The first round of the College Football Playoffs kicks off Friday night, with an SEC rematch, but a lot more will be at stake this time around.
Although Oklahoma and Alabama didn’t win the SEC this season, both teams are in pursuit of postseason glory, and the anticipation is high for the ninth meeting all-time in the series. All eyes are going to be on Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium, as the Sooners host their first-ever Playoff game, and Coach Brent Venables is expecting an amazing atmosphere.
Oklahoma has won five of the last six meetings between the two blue blood programs, so it appears the pressure is on Alabama. After all, some fans feel the Crimson Tide don’t deserve to be in the Playoffs with three losses. Not to mention one of those losses was at home to the Sooners. Which is why Venables believes Kalen DeBoer’s squad will be eager to prove that they belong.
“Alabama is a team where it’s been since 1893 that they lost to the same team twice in the same season, so there’s a reason for that,” Venables said. “They’re a great program, with great players, great coaches, and that’s the way they’ve been for 100-plus years, so the enormity of the challenge is real.”
Despite the Sooners’ 23-21 win in Tuscaloosa last month, Venables wasn’t satisfied with the way his team performed, and for good reasons. Alabama led Oklahoma in total offense, passing, yards, rushing yards, yards per play, first downs, third down efficiency, plays and time of possession. The tale of the tape was three Alabama turnovers, including two lost fumbles. Venables understands his defense is ready to take up the slack again if necessary, but the offense has to deliver in the clutch.
“We’re going to have to play better, and I know some of our guys have said that, but it’s not just coachspeak, it’s being honest and real with ourselves,” he said. “We had time to go back and just look at ourselves, where we need to improve, and get better, that’s the expectation, and our fundamentals is where it all starts.”
Venables wants to see quarterback John Mateer execute the plays better, considering he only had 135 yards passing, and no touchdown tosses in the last clash. The Sooners will have to play complimentary football, and everyone must contribute. Defensive back Gentry Williams, Kendel Dolby and Jeremiah Newcombe, along with offensive lineman Troy Everett will not play. However, running back Jovantae Barnes, and and edge rusher R Mason Thomas are going to be back in the lineup.
Oklahoma’s defense will have to keep the pressure on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson again. He threw for over 300 yards against the Sooners, but was sacked four times. If Simpson has time in the pocket, Venables knows he can make the secondary pay.
“He (Simpson) climbs the pocket, he’s patient, got great confidence and tremendous arm talent,” the 55-year old said. “He’s a fantastic athlete, great competitor, got a natural leadership ability, and he’s a guy that doesn’t flinch very easy, so our expectation is that we’re going to see the best version of Ty.”
The winner of this blockbuster matchup is going to face No. 1 overall seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. That means the Sooners have a tremendous journey ahead, and Venables need to have his boys physically, mentally and emotionally ready for the biggest game of their career.
“It’s going to be a one-possession game, it’s going to be a game that every play has tremendous magnitude, and then again, nobody is going to win or lose by themselves.”
