The Oklahoma Sooners football team is preparing for one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2024 season—the Red River Rivalry against the Texas Longhorns. Set to take place at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, the showdown marks the 120th meeting between these storied programs. The rivalry, deeply ingrained in the history of college football, will once again be a battleground for pride, rankings, and bragging rights. As the Sooners head into the game, all eyes are on how they will fare under the leadership of head coach Brent Venables, who has been praised for his defensive acumen.
Oklahoma enters this week with a strong 4-1 record, including a thrilling come-from-behind victory against Auburn. Their performance this season reflects the steady improvement that Venables has brought to the team, particularly on the defensive side. This year, Oklahoma’s defense has allowed just 16 points per game, their best mark since 2009. That’s a testament to Venables’ defensive prowess, which earned him the prestigious Broyles Award in 2016 while serving as the defensive coordinator at Clemson. With Venables’ leadership, Clemson won two national championships, and he brought that same intensity and defensive brilliance to Norman when he was hired in 2022.
Texas, on the other hand, sits atop the AP Poll with an undefeated 5-0 record. They have been dominant on both sides of the ball and look every bit the powerhouse they were predicted to be. However, in rivalry games, records and rankings often go out the window, as emotions and individual matchups play a significant role. The Sooners, looking to avenge their crushing 49-0 defeat to Texas in 2022, are eager to prove they belong among the top contenders in the country.
In the lead-up to the game, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has been effusive in his praise for Brent Venables. Sarkisian noted that Venables’ defensive schemes make preparing an offensive game plan exceptionally challenging. He emphasized how Venables’ ability to read offenses and adjust his defensive play-calling sets him apart as one of the best in the country.
Sarkisian’s respect for Venables is well-founded. Venables’ resume speaks for itself—he played a pivotal role as co-defensive coordinator for Oklahoma’s 2000 national championship team and continued to build his reputation as an elite defensive mind at Clemson. Venables’ units are known for their physicality, discipline, and ability to create turnovers, all of which will be crucial as Oklahoma faces a potent Texas offense.
In 2022, when Venables first took the helm at Oklahoma, the Sooners were in a rebuilding phase. Without starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the Sooners were routed by Texas in a 49-0 defeat, a low point for the program. However, Oklahoma bounced back in the 2023 edition of the rivalry, pulling off a dramatic 34-30 victory that showcased their growth under Venables. This year, with Gabriel healthy and the defense looking more formidable than ever, Oklahoma is poised to give Texas a much tougher challenge.
Brent Venables has rapidly reshaped the identity of Oklahoma football. Known historically for its high-powered offense, Oklahoma is now becoming a more balanced team with an emphasis on strong defense. Venables has instilled a tough, aggressive mindset in his players, and the results are evident in their performance on the field. The Sooners are playing with more discipline, tackling better, and consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
One key to Venables’ success has been his ability to adapt his schemes to his personnel. While he made his name with complex defensive schemes at Clemson, he has simplified things at Oklahoma, allowing his players to play faster and with more confidence. This approach has paid dividends, with the Sooners ranking among the top defenses in the country this season.
As the Sooners gear up for this year’s Red River Rivalry, they are armed with one of the nation’s most improved defenses and a quarterback in Dillon Gabriel who can make plays in the clutch. The Venables-Sarkisian chess match will be fascinating to watch, as both coaches will undoubtedly have a few tricks up their sleeves. With so much on the line—conference standing, playoff positioning, and rivalry pride—this game has all the makings of another classic.
The 2024 Red River Rivalry promises to be a defining moment for both Oklahoma and Texas. For Brent Venables, it’s an opportunity to further cement his legacy as one of the best defensive minds in college football and to show that the Sooners are back as a force to be reckoned with. For Steve Sarkisian, it’s a chance to maintain Texas’ perfect record and assert their dominance in the SEC. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans on both sides will be eagerly watching to see which team prevails in this storied rivalry.
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