The Gaylord Household Memorial Stadium crowd erupted as R Mason Thomas slammed former Sooner Jackson Arnold into the turf for a sack to seal No. 11 Oklahoma’s win over No. 22 Auburn Saturday evening.
Along with sealing the large win, the sack additionally set a program file because the Sooners’ tenth sack of the sport.
It was an enormous second for Brent Venables, who entered the season underneath intense strain. Whereas there’s nonetheless loads of soccer to be performed and room for enchancment, the Sooners’ protection delivered a near-perfect efficiency, pushing Oklahoma to a 4-0 file and a 1-0 begin within the SEC.
It was candy revenge for the Sooners. Arnold, as soon as an OU fan favourite, transferred amid rumors of discord, and was greeted by boos upon his return. However Venables’ revamped line of defense, powered by transfers and aggressive play calling, turned the script right into a nightmare.
Taylor Wein, David Stone, and Gracen Halton led the cost, racking up seven sacks by halftime, holding Auburn to minus-2 speeding yards. Auburn’s offensive line, praised for safeguarding Arnold and his dual-threat skills, collapsed underneath the strain.
For Venables, this victory is a large enhance. Getting into 2025, the strain was immense after two dropping seasons in his first three seasons at Oklahoma and an offense ranked 97th in scoring final 12 months.
The defensive blueprint Venables crafted within the offseason paid off in full and Oklahoma delivered the efficiency it wanted. Auburn, now 3-1, heads house with its hopes of a “recent begin” for Arnold buried underneath a sea of crimson.
Boomer Sooner rings louder immediately. The recent seat? For now, extinguished. However within the SEC, survival means persevering with to win. Venables’ subsequent mission is evident: Preserve sacking, hold combating, hold successful.
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