Practice Report: Brent Venables addresses the issues, makes changes and demands better

[@Blahbladestorms6192]

I’m glad Brent recognizes that it’s way too many RPO’s. That’s the vast majority of our offense. Good to see he’s changing that up

[@DB-576]

What is crazy is I was listening to part of D Makeys podcast and he mentioned that Littrel said that the only reason they were doing all the RPOs was for Arnold. That was what he ran in highschool.

[@JDUBB2399]

​@@DB-576That's what I had wondered this entire time. I guess it's true.

[@HughMungus315]

BV shouldn’t have to babysit the OC. The OC should be smart enough to change strategies when it isn't working, etc. It's absolutely unacceptable.

[@texboi3673]

The most honest press conference we've seen in years at Oklahoma,but this isn't just about JA QB play. The fishing buddy hiring NEEDS TO STOP! It's time to look outside the Sooner family. Seth Lettrell should've never got hired as the OC.

[@savagesooner4891]

Agreed, Littrell will always be a Sooner, however he had no business being OC at Oklahoma. What P4 program has he led a top 5 offense?

[@soonerborn7603]

@@savagesooner4891What P5 program had Lincoln Riley led to a top 5 offense? What about Kevin Wilson? Or Mark Mangino?

[@texboi3673]

@@soonerborn7603If Seth Lettrell was going to be a top OC choice for power 5 schools,he would've been hired after leaving North Texas. This was a "good bud" hire,by Joe C,Bob and BV. The offense stinks and the offensive staff is coaching for their jobs.

[@willashwood7803]

​@@savagesooner4891Let's hold on there... Where was Lincoln Riley coaching at before him? What were Heupels qualifications when we hired him? You can't just go out and get OCs from title contenders for a lateral move as easily as we're acting like.

[@SheldonMLee]

I'm very glad BV acknowledged the stuff on offense but do that and doing something about it are two different things hes been very hands off with that side of the ball. I remember hearing the story even bob realized sometimes he had to say hey run the ball. Its time for BV to get serious and say hey fix it your jobs depend on it. The defense is too good to waste on a bum season and I'm not even talking playoffs I'm talking show recruits you can coach and give them a reason to think with them they can come fix it. Edit* Jacobe is getting a TD Saturday mark it. They will go to him to be physical and get one in the end zone.

[@Im_Old_Gregg]

I'll give Brent credit. A lot of coaches when shit goes bad would shorten the press conference and just give coach speak BS. He laid it all out there and was pretty transparent with us.

[@vance9090]

"we are so close" 🤣😂

[@BraveBee-n4w]

Good stuff guys, don't let the haters get you down. Most people see how awesome you guys are, both of you guys are wonderful keep it up. This community loves and supports you. Boomer Sooner. Eddie and George are Kings

[@geromeriley3410]

As a longtime OU fan, the delusions of some of our fan base is sad. No matter how many times they hear why DG left, they want to believe something else. Out of all the shows I listened to, I liked that you guys didn't waffle regarding this subject. Most shows are trying to generate clicks, so they have been straddling the fence in their opinions.

[@savagesooner4891]

Jamelle Holieway was a true freshman in 1985, took over QB1 after Aikman broke his leg in the Miami game, and he led OU to #6…

[@limerickwindow2211]

What Jamelle was asked to do and what Hawkins and era must do especially in the air where you absolutely cannot win without the forward pass. They are two completely different worlds!

[@spensersteele2640]

I don’t know that JFA will ever start at QB for OU again, but I think being benched may take a lot of pressure off him. The worst has now happened, might free him up to sling it and trust himself again. What’s the worst that can happen? Get benched again?

[@Stable_Genius]

Well, given how bad the O line is, JFA needs to keep his wits and be ready. Hawkins apparently has zero regard for his own well being. 😂 Don't want to speak it into existence, but...yeah, put the two together.

[@SoonerMikeD]

I really wonder how much the coaching is responsible for his regression. I mean if it was just him it would be one thing but the entire offense has looked worse and worse as time goes on. Only time will tell I suppose.

[@okievet]

There's no reason whatsoever, that Seth Littrell should be a QB coach. JFA clearly hasn't been developed and it shows. Who in their right mind would allow a meat head fullback to become a quarterback coach.

[@Stable_Genius]

@@okievet You know Lebby was O-lineman, right?

[@okievet]

@@Stable_Genius I didn't say anything about lebby.

[@nickbagnaro402]

If Hawkins can continue on same pace with decisions and throws and quickness as he did the other night we will be far harder to beat as this defense hopefully continues to improve and ball out. Pray this kid is the 2nd coming of Baker. Littrell has to find whatever variation of run game we can run and call a game with variety or he may be benched next. I would let every player on offense know that we just chucked our QB and your next if you don’t do your job. I think this will reverberate through players and light a fire under some of them to execute.

[@Mike_Sage]

This will be the best thing for Arnold.. sometimes when you're struggling it's actually a relief (though he won't admit it). He'll be able to sit back and breathe for a minute and take in the game and make the necessary adjustments with no pressure. He'll come back better, even if it's at another school.

[@droL_si_suseJ]

BV should kick some ass with his coaches.

[@Im_Old_Gregg]

I have to imagine there's been some tough conversations with the offensive coaches. We know Brent is extremely competitive and those guys could cost him his job if they don't get their shit together.

[@phillipenkey3136]

The Mr Ashford chemistry story has me crying 😂😂😂😂😂 seamlessly transitioned in 🤣

[@SoonerMikeD]

I’ll be surprised if the QB change moves the needle much with this offense. Absolutely no good excuse to be THIS bad. Feels like wholesale staff changes are coming. Really hope I’m wrong because who knows how far that sets us back if that’s what happens.

[@bradycarden5589]

While it was a 7 point game, OU had 3 consecutive possessions which never got to second down.

[@RichardCampbell-y7s]

Need to relook at those history books, Aikman was not the last true freshman QB to start at OU prior to Caleb Williams, pretty sure Holieway and Gundy both started as true freshman

[@soonerborn7603]

Landry Jones too?

[@phillipalexander7862]

pretty sure Landry was a redshirt freshman when Bradford got hurt

[@soonerborn7603]

@@phillipalexander7862 That’s what I was wondering. I couldn’t remember.

[@Randy_Reacts]

@@soonerborn7603 Johnny Utah was a true freshman when he started at QB...

[@Scottworth07]

We’re on year 3 of the rebuild. The defense is awesome. We need the offense to be in the top 30. That shouldn’t be too much to ask.

[@cadertater]

I'd be happy with change in the whole offensive scheme and a 21 or 24 -6 victory.

[@Jerry-sh9kf]

Emmett Jones was also a Head coach, I think he would be a good OC as well.

[@robbyclark6915]

Michael Hawkins was fantastic in a tremendously high pressure situation, BUT he is a true freshman! He is not going to come in there Saturday, on his very first start, and light it up. He's probably not going to play great. He will have moments that look extremely promising, and he will likely make a few really good plays. But he is a true freshman and was playing high school football a year ago. We need everyone, EVERYONE on offense to light a fire under their Ass, and make the damn plays when they are there! Thank Brent, we have that Defense!

[@MuffinTable111]

As long as they're moving the ball down field, putting points on the board, not turning the ball over, and giving the defense a chance to rest, I think we'll be just fine

[@daltonmann4916]

jamelle holieway did. i am not saying hawkins will do it but, it has happened before. he stepped in against miami in 85 at 17 yo. and he didnt win but he didnt lose another one. but, we will see if brent has the stones to remove coaches but it will be at the end of the year. but, i definitely agree with "we have a defense now!" thank the Good Lord above!

[@blue_diamond_gem]

The are BV’s own nepotistic in house hires. I’m glad he is showing some actual strength and courage to be honest with their performance.

[@DedHedRy]

You can have two players on the same side of the ball possessing the same number as long as both players do not occupy the field at the same time.

[@Marcd50]

It seems apparent, based on our offensive performance during last year’s bowl game, that Arnold hasn’t grown as expected or much at all, and the OC/QB coach bears significant responsibility for that. And if there is a concern with a QB’s decision making, why force him to make an additional decision every play with that many RPOs.

[@chuckkearney9246]

You can’t expect that in one game the learning curve is going to make that big of a jump.

[@SubZero86x]

Have heard a lot of rumors this week. Like littrell being forced to call lebby's offense instead of his to suit Arnold. I guess we will see how the offense looks with Hawkins. I would also start looking at putting freshman OL in. Can't be any worse than what we've seen

[@Blaqk_8298]

Win lose or draw i stand with coach BV, COACH was smart letting JACKSON stink it up in front of the world because WE ALL SAW IT and JACKSON forced coach to make that decision which was the right one, if coach would have made that decision in practice we would have never understood WHY so he let it unfold in front of the world and WE ALL SEE IT Jackson has the tools but cant put it all together, NOW IS THE TIME TO SEE IF HE PULLS A SPENCER RATTLER AND JETS! IF HE DOES KEEP AN EYE ON LINCOLN RILEY.

[@droL_si_suseJ]

BV, you need to think about who goes out to scout and recruit. Just because someone is highly rated doesn’t really mean anything.

[@hotcarl3854]

I went back and watched Baker throu Jalen’s years and damn our O-line now is so bad. Not even remotely close to those years. We have completely fallen off on the OL. I don’t even know if this OL this year is even FCS quality. Same could he said for the WR and TEs. Completely fallen off from what they used to be. In a lot of ways we didn’t set Arnold up for success. He has no tools to work with and he’s played scared because of it.

[@savagesooner4891]

I disagree, the WR room is super deep. JA would only throw it to his first read, mostly Burks. Hawkins came in and was hitting 5/6 different WRs and was playing with heart and composure.

[@JDUBB2399]

​@@savagesooner4891Hawkins came in and Pettaway became the best receiver on the team. Pretty telling honestly.

[@wi1dcard]

Are universities required to disclose their NIL funds, how much each player is getting paid, and all the side NIL business deal amounts to players?

[@mitchconner2021]

No

[@JB-sc1tg]

The universities technically aren't paying the players, so there's nothing for them to disclose.

[@droL_si_suseJ]

Blocking drills until they puke and include the coaches.

[@alanhoweth9859]

Because of the exceptional play of the defense, the Tennessee game was OU’s to win. Unfortunately Arnold was not up to the task.

[@DedHedRy]

The biggest indictment on the offensive staff to me is the attitude and lack of leadership that side of the ball has. You can handle some mistakes and miscues when guys are going all out every single play because good things can still happen when you’re putting max effort into it. The entire offense looks defeated and their body language top down is just awful. The disparity between the two sides of the ball is about as wide of a margin that I can remember. Just the attitude that the defense plays with versus an offense that looks defeated before the first punch is even thrown. One of the tough parts of watching the trainwreck of JA was the fact that’s the guy you are counting on to be your leader. When your leader is defeated and in his head then how do you think the rest of the offense feels and reacts to that. Hopefully MH can bring some life and hope into these guys and gives them a reason to play with some energy. When your QB is getting sacked and there are 3 OL standing there watching him get pummeled, there is a larger problem outside of who is playing and what plays are being called. It’s a coaches job to have guys ready to play and that starts with the mental side of the game and the emotional side of the game. The one thing we can control 100% of the time no matter the circumstances is effort and that’s what I see lacking from our OL and other positions is the total lack of effort and that’s the most disappointing part to me. The defense reflects the personality of BV and it’s obvious the offense does not. That needs to change and the more time BV spends on that side of the ball I would think we will see that happen. We can’t expect this offense to be something it’s not going to be this year regardless of how well MH plays. We just need them to play sound ball with max effort while getting better each week and then go from there. Seth and JJF and BB just have not had their guys ready to play. They need to figure it out and BV is too much of a winner not to.

[@jeffhoward3564]

i agree. JA wa just not able to make routine reads or throws but the biggest issue we have is the offensive line. They are really bad to include te blocking. We did not reload at all in this position. The new guys are not ready yet and our transfer guys are a big miss. I feel every game will be a dogfight and the ou qb will run for his life every other play. in the offseason ou needs to cough up alot of nil money and go after at least 3 big name oline transfers.The true heroes this year may be the oklahoma doctors who are in charge of treating all these injuries. I would have a team of doctors and scientist to look at the strengh coach methods and field quality after the season...

[@droL_si_suseJ]

Each year cannot be about getting it right. When is the year when “we got it right!”

[@droL_si_suseJ]

It’s not always about the players. More often than not is poor, weak or undisciplined coaching.

[@charlesworkman2868]

Man, what went on during fall practice?

[@DedHedRy]

“ You’re either coaching it or you’re allowing it “

[@bastiat9049]

JA needs to get his head in the game

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

I had Taco Bell and PBR for lunch…. Not a good idea at all.

[@TheRealBrotherLance]

😂😂😂😂 I like both

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

@@TheRealBrotherLanceit was rough at 10:30am

[@TheRealBrotherLance]

@@ThisIsLeeBird Now we are talking Professional Bull Riding Right 😅

[@garrettblankenship7242]

Oh George is writing a story on Jacobe? Well, he’s f***ed.

[@michealbriscoe7146]

I hate the terminology and would like clarification: is Jacoby MOVING to WR, or splitting time playing both.

[@droL_si_suseJ]

Other top 10 teams suffer injuries and their 2nd and 3rd teams guys man-up! What about OUs guys.

[@daltonmann4916]

well, we will see. if bv has the internal fortitude (which i truly think he does) to fire coaches if they dont show drastic improvement!

[@TimStJohn-xp8rv]

What about Tatum? What is his status?

[@alanhoweth9859]

If you look at this abjectly, Arnold did the same things in the Arizona bowl game and he has not improved a bit with game experience.

[@tylerwalker5607]

Grow and adapt. What else could you ask for

[@willashwood7803]

While I'm the first to admit Littrell has to be better, lets quit acting like he's somehow less qualified than previous OCs we've hired. Lincoln Riley was the OC at ECU when we hired him. Heupel was a grad assistant and a QB coach. Littrell has called really good offenses throughout his career and certainly was qualified for the job. What he hasn't done well with so far is fitting his game plan to the talent he has. Absolutely, he's got to do better but acting like BV hired some unqualified no name is just an ignorant take.

[@alanhoweth9859]

RPO’s are only good if and when the QB makes proper read and decision. Arnold just isn’t making the correct reads and decisions. Even a less talented QB is better when he makes the correct reads and decisions.

[@SoonerMikeD]

I’d bet Auburn most definitely see’s this a “get right” game (rightly so) for them after the way OU has played. To me the outcome of this game tells us if we’re going 4-8 or 7-5.

[@Truthseeker-cv2mvp]

Lol auburn offense in no way sees this as a get right game...

[@droL_si_suseJ]

OU defense is awesome!

[@birdlebowski8545]

Your QB is in Oregon

[@Vipervessel]

Hawkins processed under duress at a level Arnold hasn't even flashed..a sample size that reminded me of Bryce at Bama at times.this young man is SPECIAL,cerebral, and I believe after he shines Sat and we win,the SEC flex fanboys and our new brethren get a rude reminder,THIS IS OU..how funny they've memory holed our winning record over SEC opp.and Texas thru the 2ks.WE WILL WIN SAT. the Hawkins era begins.

[@robbyclark6915]

Wow! You can tell Brent is not happy with his offensive staff. Maybe dont give them so many decisions? He said.

[@ThorndikeArchibald-p1h]

Schiller Green

[@Texas2005-k5y]

Demanding more from a team with not much talent. Good luck with all that.

[@Im_Old_Gregg]

Jackson just lost confidence and crumbled under the immense pressure of playing the QB position at a place like Oklahoma. He was getting rattled against bad teams at home. He wasn't going to be able to hold up on the road in the SEC. Maybe if he had elite play around him it would be better but giving the ball away is on him.

[@alanhoweth9859]

All players make mistakes. What sets a player apart besides talent is how many mistakes that player makes. Arnold is just making mistakes too frequently.

[@svenkreuzberg2274]

fire your OC, watch the play calling before and after Arnold was on the field. You play to the strengh of your QB and as OC i talk to my "Rookie" QB and ask him what plays he likes and what not.

[@wayfaringfarmer2724]

Most college football fans know as much about football as their wives. Even with factoring in the poor O line Jackson has been really really bad on ALL angles.

[@Lexlugr]

The DG conversation is so brain dead. I didn't even think this was ever an issue, it seems like there's an agenda folks are trying to reach

[@coeyjoops]

Nothing made me more pessimistic about the Jacobe switch than hearing that George is writing a story on him. He's doomed

[@RaeAGE]

Ruining these guys careers, if he’s playing both ways make or let him play both ways. Switching a DB back to WR for basically no statistical gain is just hurting his career. This staff has no idea how to manage a football team

[@aanthonySmith]

Welcome to the SEC men.😅😅😅

[@Tripp6]

Dg or ja ain’t winning you a natty and that’s what the fans want

[@chuckkearney9246]

Hey I know these guys can say what they want, but this guy with the hat. I don’t know if his parents taught him to speak professionally without all the nasty stuff.

[@Truthseeker-cv2mvp]

You should have stopped after the first line. Stfu...

[@A3T3Y]

😒

[@HelloM8_]

24:43 😂😂😂