‘If we just get better on defense’: Brent Venables believes in Oklahoma’s potential in 2023

Brent Venables believes that if the Oklahoma Sooners are better on defense, a 10-win season and a “banner” are attainable. He’s right.

There were many things from Wednesday night’s schedule release that were notable.

The main thing being the actual schedule but also the talk of the tailgating scene and how to get it “SEC ready.”

But some of the more noteworthy comments also grabbing headlines were made by head coach Brent Venables.

When asked about the 2023 season, Venables said, “If we just get better on defense, we’re going to win 10-plus games and have a chance to hang a banner up at the end of the year.”

I almost assuredly believe he’s talking about a Big 12 championship banner, not a national championship banner. Because 10 wins won’t get you in the College Football Playoff.

But he’s not necessarily wrong with that statement. The Sooners ranked 122nd in total defense last year. So, there’s not much room to get any worse.

Can the Sooners cut that in half and finish in the top 60 this year? I don’t see why they couldn’t.

I get it could be a tall task, but we saw Venables do it in Clemson. They went from the 63rd-ranked defense to the 25th-ranked defense before establishing nearly a decade of dominance on that side of the ball.

So, if not the 60s, they definitely can move up 40+ spots and get in the 80s. Offensively Oklahoma ranked 13th in total offense. Now they have to get better on 3rd downs, but if they come in at 13th again this year with an improved defense, I don’t see why they can’t win the Big 12 championship.

You might say, “Ranking in the 80s on defense and around 15 on offense won’t get you in the playoffs! You have to be better than that!”

Oh really? The TCU Horned Frogs ranked 96th on defense and 27th on offense last year while going undefeated in the regular season and actually winning a playoff game.

Big 12 Champion Kansas State Wildcats ranked 64th on defense and 41st on offense.

So, don’t tell me improving on defense into the 60s or 80s wouldn’t win them 10 games or more.

Now, I’m not predicting them to make the playoff, but I think making the Big 12 championship game is absolutely attainable.

So, in regards to Venables’ statement, no lies detected.

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