Is Oklahoma’s defense elite? Sooners coach Brent Venables recaps Alabama’s win

Oklahoma’s defense showed all its capabilities last Saturday in a 24-3 victory over No. 7 Alabama.

The Crimson Tide has scored over 30 points eight times this year, but has made just one field goal against the Sooners. It was the fourth time OU held an opponent under 20 points in 2024. Alabama hasn’t won a game without a touchdown in 20 years.

The word “elite” is often used to describe players, coaches and individuals. But the OU coach Brent Venables he prefers not to classify his defense – or any part of his team – as such.

“I use that word very carefully,” Venables said. “I can brag about these guys for a long time and let’s see how the season goes, and that’s what I would say.”

However, Venables admitted that the performance against the Crimson Tide was elite.

Not only did Oklahoma hold Alabama to its lowest point in 2024, but the Sooners allowed just 234 total yards, which was also the Crimson Tide’s lowest total.

OU’s defense also forced a poor performance from Alabama’s dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroewho scored 11 of 26 points with three interceptions and zero touchdowns. Milroe ran for just seven yards.

“They did a lot of things that you would associate with an elite defense,” Venables said. “They did it.”

The biggest contrast Venables could find in his elite defense came during the Missouri game on Nov. 9, when the Sooners lost 30-23.

OU held the Tigers to just 10 points in the first three quarters and allowed a 20-point loss in the fourth. Most importantly, the Sooners allowed Missouri to convert on third-and-16 with 1:16 left in the game, and the Tigers later scored the game’s decisive touchdown.

Missouri recovered from a quarterback foul Jackson Arnold on Oklahoma’s next drive, allowing them to escape with the victory.

“Just truth serum. We have to win third and 16 two weeks ago and that doesn’t diminish our position, what we’ve achieved and what we’re capable of,” Venables said. “They will not be blameless. They won’t play in every match. They are not going to stop at every turn to be part of an elite defense.

Overall, the Sooners rank 16th in the FBS in yards allowed per game (311.3). They rank 23rd in scoring defense, allowing just 20.18 points per game.

Individual senior defender Danny Stutsman with 100 receptions, he ranks 19th in the country. Junior defender Robert Spears-Jennings he’s second in the nation with four forced fumbles.

Between these two and several other key players, the Sooners have steadily improved their defense throughout 2024.

“I think their performance and the improvement from where we finished last year to where we are now gives them a lot to think about,” Venables said. “But we still have a few games left and I don’t want them to be satisfied.”

OU (6-5) travels to Baton Rouge, LA this weekend to battle LSU. The Tigers (7-4) defeated Vanderbilt last week, ending a three-game losing streak.

WATCH: Interview with Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman

The LSU leader is the quarterback Garrett Nussmeierwho threw for 3,458 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Around Nussmeier is one of the most talented receiving rooms in college football, including: Kyren Lacy and Aaron Anderson AND CJ Daniels.

Even after the Sooners’ offense played a solid game against Alabama, Venables knows how important the performance of his defense will be in determining the outcome of Saturday’s game.

“We’re trying to take that momentum and find the things we didn’t do well and improve and know that this week is going to be a completely different challenge and requires a completely different mindset,” Venables said. “Winning in Baton Rouge is a completely different thing.”