Second half defensive struggles returned against TCU, but no regrets after a 10-win regular season
There was disappointment for Sooner fans when BYU flirted with an upset of Oklahoma State on Saturday, only to see the Cowboys eek out a 2 overtime win and secure their spot in the Big 12 championship — the spot Oklahoma would have had but for a blown officials call in Bedlam.
But this week also brought a sense of satisfaction for the Sooner faithful, as all right minded fans concluded that Coach Brent Venables has indeed righted the ship, capping a successful 10-win season with a 69-45 shoot out over TCU on Friday and giving the program its 700th win.
Job well done, Coach Venables. Now, to make bowl plans.
But, almost as if to remind us that this remains a program in progress — even after 12 football games played — the final Big 12 game in Norman saw the specter of a leaky defense, allowing the Horned Frogs, down 42-16 at the half, to score 29 points in the second half.
That was of no concern for QB Dillon Gabriel, who had another great game, throwing for 400 yards and completing 24 of 38 passes, for three touchdowns.
Or, Gavin Sawchuk, who ran for 130 yards on 22 carries.
And go-to Senior, Drake Stoops, who led all receivers with 12 receptions and 125 yards.
The Sooners offense hammered TCU, scoring 24 more points on the Horned Frogs than any time all season.
It was a satisfying feeling in the stadium when the Ruf/Neks shot their final shots to signify the end of the game, the players lined up to sing the OU Chant before the band, and fans lingered to savor their last moments in the stadium for 2023.
Wide receiver Jayden Gibson, who grabbed two receptions for 76 yards, summed up the season:
“Double-digit wins. I think that’s a testament to, if nothing else, our great coaching—Coach Venables and Coach Leb. I feel like everyone has nothing to be sad about,” Gibson said.
Indeed, the thoughts of what might have been were not evident on a beautiful fall day in Norman when the players exited, having put on an offensive explosion against a well coached Sonny Dykes TCU squad that had played for the national championship just a year ago.
Not many were counting on BYU upsetting the Cowboys the next day and opening the door for another Big 12 championship game appearance.
The talk turned to what bowl game the Sooners may attend in late December. Will it be the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio against an impressive Arizona team?
Will Lebby depart for Mississippi State head coaching job?
Then, talk turned to the future of offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, who was immediately identified as the primary target of Mississippi State’s athletic director Zac Selmon (yes, that Zac Selmon, son of OU great Dewey Selmon) to fill the head coach vacancy there.
Lebby, naturally, had little to say about that after Friday’s game. But, Venables was asked about it.
“I want all my guys to have opportunity. I’ll support them in whatever way I can. Everything has its time. Some of it is not ideal time. Stay focused and locked in to what we got to do. That’s what our players deserve. And don’t be a distraction. I’m for all my guys to have the opportunity to advance their careers,” Venables said.
Lebby survived the barrage of fan criticism for his play calling after the Kansas loss. Frankly, his play calling since then has been superb. But, just as important to his success in that regard has been the stellar play of Dillon Gabriel, who continued to set new records at quarterback.
“He (Gabriel) means the world to me. It’s pretty uncommon for us to be in the situation we are in to do it with people we love every single day. I’m just proud of him,” Lebby said of Gabriel.
Gabriel gave a strong endorsement of his offensive coordinator.
“I’ve always believed in him. I know, as coaches, they journey, and wanting to be a head coach is something he’s wanted to be, as well as a bunch of coaches on our staff. The growth I’ve seen him make from my freshman year to know — the same he’s seen with me — it’s crazy what two or three years can do,” Gabriel said.
It’s also crazy what one year can do. That’s true for Venables, who last year was unable to avoid a losing season for Oklahoma — an unacceptable rarity for the program. He stayed focus and unwavering (including his unwavering support for Lebby) this year, putting a more aggressive defense on the field (see Billy Bowman’s third Pick Six of the season) and allowing the talented Gabriel and a bevy of quality receivers to field a remarkable offense.
Bowman said there were no regrets about this season, even though the Sooners fell a game short of playing in the conference championship game and a chance for the college football playoffs.
“No, I don’t think so,” Bowman said. “It’ll all work in His plan and then we’ll have a bowl game to go play and get that 11th win.”
Gibson said, ““I feel like everyone has nothing to be sad about.”
“Do I want to go to the Big 12 Championship? Of course. I’m a competitor, and if we go to it, I’m going to do everything in my power to help us win. At the end of the day, we don’t got nothing to hang our heads about regardless, because we fought through a lot this year.”
“I mean, look, losses always hurt. So, I’m going to look back at that as a loss regardless, but at the end of the day I won’t be sitting in my bed like, ‘Man, we could’ve went to the Big 12 if we did this, this, this.’ At the end of the day, losses happen, wins happen.”
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