Oklahoma Sooners Practice Report

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. *We are excited to have Homefield as our official, exclusive apparel sponsor all season long. Take 20% off YOUR first purchase with code SOONERSCOOP at checkout. That’s SOONERSCOOP, no spaces, at checkout at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.homefieldapparel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on the Homefield App! *It’s time to upgrade your nicotine pouch. Get 20% off your first order by using code SCOOPERS at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lucy.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Soundbite Credit: SEC Network+/Learfield *For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mengotomars.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠*Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code SOONERSCOOP at ⁠⁠⁠takeultra.com⁠⁠⁠! #UltraPouches #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. *It’s time to upgrade your nicotine pouch. Get 20% off your first order by using code SCOOPERS at ⁠⁠⁠Lucy.co⁠⁠⁠ #ad*Benchmade knives are built to last and designed to work. Shop now at ⁠⁠⁠benchmade.com⁠⁠⁠ #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. *It’s time to upgrade your nicotine pouch. Get 20% off your first order by using code SCOOPERS at Lucy.co #ad *Benchmade knives are built to last and designed to work. Shop now at benchmade.com  #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. *For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mengotomars.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Trade on College Football games every week on Polymarket. *Download the Polymarket App with code ON3 for a $20 bonus upon sign up. ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://app.polymarket.us/S8ac/ON3⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Trading not available in all jurisdictions. Check local regulations before trading. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices