OU football is prepared to move past the loss to Texas and focus on correcting the small details that have been hindering their offense.
NORMAN — After a disappointing offensive showing in last Saturday’s 34-3 loss to Texas, questions are swirling around OU football. On Monday, the Sooners aimed to move on from the rivalry defeat.
The team held a players-only meeting on Sunday, and there was a noticeable sense of urgency during Monday’s practice. According to reports, the team responded well, and head coach Brent Venables, along with several players, expressed confidence that there is still much to play for this season.
“We discussed this before the game,” Venables said on his weekly coaches show. “Regardless of the result, Monday was coming, and we had to flush the game and learn from it.”
The Sooners only managed 237 total yards and failed to score a touchdown in the blowout loss. Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. threw for 148 yards but hesitated to take deeper shots downfield after OU fell behind.
This season, OU has gained 20-plus yards on just 3.4% of their offensive plays, one of the lowest rates among Power 4 teams in the last decade, according to TruMedia. As they prepare for South Carolina, the offense has plenty to fix.
“It’s the little details that offensive coordinator Seth Littrell has been emphasizing since fall camp,” said running back Barnes.
OU is embracing the challenge of bouncing back against South Carolina on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. on SEC Network.
“At the end of the day, we have to show real courage,” Venables said. “True courage means giving it everything you’ve got, no matter the result.”
Despite the struggles, Venables highlighted the offensive line’s “incremental improvement” on his coaches show, mentioning better cohesion and communication. He also pointed out that they created several opportunities, but the team needs to make better decisions at the quarterback position.
Center Troy Everett, who returned from injury against Texas and played 22 snaps, was one of the few bright spots ahead of Saturday’s game against the Gamecocks.
