Oklahoma Sooners Practice Report

Was the offense's performance against Florida enough for Brent Venables to consider Jason Witten for the permanent offensive coordinator job? Or is the sample size still too small? Truthfully, even if the Sooners run the table, 4 games is too small of a sample size when so much relies on the success of the next hire. But come on...it's Jason Witten. Venables spoke with the media on Tuesday morning, and it's safe to say he was happy with what he saw on the field Saturday. Did the players or even other stakeholders share that same feeling? What kind of other changes were made in practice throughout the week? Plus, how much of the decision to make a change stemmed from the defense starting to slide against South Carolina? All that and more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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One day after OU fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, the media finally got to hear what Brent Venables had to say about the change...kind of. While he didn't want to go into great detail about the decision, it is clear that Venables has his eyes on the future. What does that mean for John Mateer? It sounds like nothing is out of the question. Jason Witten impressed greatly, enough to earn the opportunity as the interim offensive coordinator. Is it an audition for Witten? Maybe. Maybe not. The defense is coming off of its worst performance of the season against South Carolina. Can they bounce back in the Swamp? All that and more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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At the end of a very eventful day, OU head Coach Brent Venables spoke out about the decision to fire Ben Arbuckle on his Rudy's Coaches Show. Venables also gave a little something on the QB situation (spoiler, sounds like they still like John Mateer). With the firing of Arbuckle we also learned of the decision to move Tight Ends Coach Jason Witten to interim play caller. Can that light any kind of spark for this offense? Guess we'll all find out in Gainesville. All that and more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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Remember the last time South Carolina took the trip down to Norman? I bet you do. With confidence in a much better spot than it was following the loss to Kentucky, what is the new standard in the second half of the season? Brent Venables and Ben Arbuckle spoke with the media Tuesday morning, and while they are proud of the fight the team showed in Starkville, there is still much to be improved. John Mateer had a great outing, but what is the next step to reach the end zone instead of settling for field goals? Was it obvious that John felt more comfortable with the return of Michael Fasusi? Caleb Nitta stepped up in a big way for the Sooners. Just how big was his addition to this roster? Finally, Taylor Wein and PJ Adebawore have had some huge moments in the crimson and cream. How has their bond strengthened the foundation of the OU defense? All that and more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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No Brent Venables today. With the head ball coach unable to address the media today due to illness, Associate Head Coach/Defensive Tackles Coach Todd Bates stepped in to address the media alongside Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle. The Sooners are still giving John Mateer the keys to the offense, but where does this belief come from? Questions about Ryan Fodje's injury still linger, does the coaching staff still believe keeping him in the game was the right call? Manny Choice showed flashes against Kentucky. Will we see more of him going forward? Finally, the defensive tackle group has been incredible, hear what Bate's had to say about his group and why he still believes this team can turn things around. All that and more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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John Mateer made some of his best throws as a Sooner late in the game on Saturday against Texas. Those throws, alongside a run game and an offensive line that looked usable in the second half, may be something Oklahoma can build on for the rest of the season. No defense on the rest of the schedule matches the challenges OU has already faced. Does that mean the offense has a chance to find consistent production? Noah Best had a successful outing on the offensive line in the Cotton Bowl. Is there still more to see from the young guy? Plus, Trystan Haynes stepped up big time with the absence of Eli Bowen; what does that say about the depth this team is building? All that and more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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On to the next one. That's the sentiment in the OU facility this week after the 27-24 win over Texas. With a Kentucky team coming in ranked 15th and off of a huge win over LSU, the Sooners have a real challenge ahead on Saturday. Peyton Bowen has been the leader in the locker room as they try to prevent the hangover from a huge win; Brent Venables holds the same idea as they look to prevent the downward spiral that occurred in 2023.  The offense showed promise in the second half of the Red River Rivalry; can the run game continue to improve as the toughest defenses on the schedule are in the rearview mirror? Michael Fasusi may be close to returning. Finally, Carey threw out the question regarding the team's injuries and if they practice "too hard." See what Brent Venables had to say in response, plus much more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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There was plenty to celebrate after Oklahoma's 27-24 win over Texas in the Red River Rivalry. However, one side of the ball group was particularly excellent on Saturday. Doug Deakin spoke with the media on Monday night, breaking down the huge blocked punt that put the Sooners on the board. We also heard from Tate Sandell, who is coming off the game-winning kick in the Cotton Bowl. All that and more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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The Sooners head into the Red River Rivalry with an extra week of rest and preparation thanks to the bye week. On this edition of the Practice Report, we hear from Brent Venables, Ben Arbuckle and several players about what they were able to get out of the bye week. The Sooners offensive line is under fire, and Ryan Fodje talks about what his unit got from the extra week of prep and practice. And is this the best defensive line the Sooners will face so far this season? Fodje spoke on that as well. It's a heavy dose of Texas in this version of the Practice Report.

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Brent Venables said what about the offensive line? Stick around, and your jaw may drop more than Eddie's. It's a tale as old as time: whoever has more success running the ball wins the Red River Rivalry. Now that hasn't been a strong unit for the Sooners so far this season, but isn't the Cotton Bowl where legends are born? Well, ISN'T IT!? For that to happen, the offensive line obviously needs to find something they can hang their hat on, or Oklahoma may lose their third straight to the Longhorns. Brent Venables has continued to back John Mateer, and as of Monday morning of Texas week, that hasn't changed. Was Ben Arbuckle and this offense able to find something over the bye week? All that and more on this edition of the Practice Report.

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