Oklahoma's Defense-First Turnaround Shapes CFP Opener Against Alabama

Overview

• The Sooners lead the nation in tackles for loss and are tied for first in sacks, ranking fifth in rushing defense, seventh in scoring defense, and ninth in total defense, according to the Associated Press.
• Oklahoma enters the College Football Playoff at 10-2 for its first berth since 2019 and hosts No. 11 Alabama next Friday in the first round.
• SEC coaches named 10 Sooners across 11 All-SEC spots with three first-teamers — R Mason Thomas, Tate Sandell, and Grayson Miller — while the AP recognized six players and honored Sandell as SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.
• Sandell, a Lou Groza Award finalist, led the SEC in field-goal percentage with a 23-in-a-row streak and a perfect 7-for-7 from 50-plus yards, while Miller led the league in punts downed inside the 20 and ranked among the best in average.
• Despite elite defense and special teams, Oklahoma’s offense lags statistically, prompting Venables to stress intensive self-scouting after midseason quarterback health issues and efficiency struggles.