It’s no secret that Brent Venables’ first three years at Oklahoma have not been the brightest. With an overall record of 23–17, several disappointing losses, and recent changes including Venables taking back defensive play-calling duties and a revamped offensive unit aimed to address what has been Sooners’ biggest issue, significant improvement is expected in 2025.
Oklahoma faces its first major test of the season on Saturday in a massive home matchup, as the No. 18 Sooners will face No. 15 Michigan in Norman. Brent Venables will be looking to improve his 4-7 record against ranked opponents in what is a must-win game for both him and Oklahoma.
Michigan enters this matchup with several questions about just how good they are and how high their ceiling is, which is in large part due to starting true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. However, as always, the Wolverines look to have an elite running game and a top defense led by coordinator Wink Martindale. In my mind, Michigan is the perfect type of opponent for the Sooners to get a statement win over early in the season…