Wow, what a win for the Oklahoma Sooners! After a devastating loss to Missouri two weeks ago, Oklahoma ran roughshod over No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide, winning by a final score of 24-3. The Oklahoma defense held ‘Bama to its fewest points in 20 years. In what was the last home game for so many OU seniors, the Sooners rushed for over 200 yards in the first half alone and Brent Venables’ defense locked down Jalen Milroe and the Tide offense.
The Sooners took a 10-3 lead into the half after a great 18-yard run by true freshman Xavier Robinson with less than a minute to go in the period. Coming out of halftime, another true freshman, Eli Bowen, made a phenomenal play to undercut a screen and pick Milroe off, leading to another rushing touchdown by Robinson a few plays later. On Alabama’s next possession, they managed to get a few first downs, but then Kip Lewis had an interception of his own, and he turned defense into offense. With his 49-yard pick-six, he put the Sooners up 24-3 with eight minutes left in the third.
The dagger came with seven minutes left in the game. With Alabama driving, R. Mason Thomas demolished Milroe just before he threw a pass. The pass catapulted into the air and was caught by Woodi Washington, cementing Oklahoma’s best win of the year. So, what did we learn from OU’s victory?
3 Lessons From Oklahoma’s Upset Win Over Alabama
The SEC Isn’t Too Big a Stage
Firstly, Oklahoma and its fans should realize that they are very much capable of being a real contender in the SEC. Granted, it has been a tough year in the SEC and the Sooners have looked ill-prepared for much of the season. But Oklahoma looked like the better team on both sides of the ball the entire game against Alabama, and that should count for something. The Sooners won this game with a makeshift offensive line and injuries to crucial skill players, like Deion Burks and Jovantae Barnes. Venables has proven beyond a doubt that he can coach an elite defense and that he has the aura to be a talented and respected SEC head coach. Now, the real task will be maintaining good recruiting classes and finding answers about what the offense and its play-caller will look like next year.
Venables Has Saved Himself…For Now
Given just how impressive OU’s win over Alabama was, it’s safe to say that Brent Venables has secured his coaching spot at least until next year. There have been rumors and questions swirling about whether or not OU would move on from Venables after this year. But he made it to the six-win threshold and showed that he can still motivate a team, even after it’s been eliminated from all meaningful postseason discussions.
Oklahoma is Bowl-Bound!
A factor in ensuring that Venables will be keeping his job is that Oklahoma won six games and is officially bowl-bound. A few weeks ago, things looked bleak for the Sooners’ bowl chances. After losses to South Carolina, Missouri, and Ole Miss, it was going to take a truly special performance from Oklahoma to clinch a .500 season. Luckily, Venables and his squad pulled a rabbit out of a hat and beat big, bad Alabama. Next up for the Sooners is LSU on the road, and OU will enter that game with sky-high confidence.
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