Brent Venables and John Mateer Earn Paul Finebaum’s Trust as Oklahoma Faces Unavoidable SEC Reality

Do you remember how former NFL player and current college football analyst Kevin Carter stirred fear for Brent Venables? “When you look at what he’s done going into his fourth year as a head coach at Oklahoma, he’s 22-17 overall…That’s just not gonna get it. That Red River rivalry is real, and to me, the seat’s gotta get hot because you’re not only in the SEC, you’re in a big-name, marquee program.” Venables moved into the 2025 season with a 6-7, 10-3, and 6-7 record in his first three seasons. But in 2025, did they announce their arrival to the SEC? Looks like Paul Finebaum is sold on Venables and his quarterback, John Mateer. As Oklahoma turns a tough nut like Finebaum in their favor, a fear is looming in a corner. Their road ahead is one of the most difficult among the league. 

On September 7, Finebaum was invited on The Matt Barrie Show. That’s when he agreed to the fact that the Sooners have planted their flag deep in the SEC. The ESPN analyst shared,  “That would not be considered one of their toughest games of the year, but in terms of statement, it was probably the most important game of the year, only because had they not won, Matt, that would have been the story of the day. And Brett Venables would be on everybody’s hot seat list. Instead, he’s got some room to breathe.”

Venables’ boys outplayed Michigan in every facet. Mateer threw for 270 yards and a touchdown and rushed 19 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Kudos to the Sooners’ defense that held Moore’s star QB, Bryce Underwood, to only nine completions for 121 passing yards.

After landing Michigan a defeat, Venables and co. saw the biggest boost of any team in the rankings, jumping up to No. 13. On the flip side, Moore’s Wolverines barely stayed inside the rankings, coming in at No. 23, eight spots lower than last week. On that note, Finebaum said, “Everybody has that big game and for Venerables, that was game day prime time, major opponent, and they delivered.” Finebaum did not forget to compliment Mateer.

For Venables’ quarterback, he said, “And John Mateer to me looked very very good. But I think we knew Mat, he was going to be good. He swagged on into media days.” As the Sooners bask in their glory with praise from Moore himself, here comes a wake-up call.

Brent Venables put on high alert as the SEC gauntlet awaits Oklahoma

Brett McMurphy came with a reality check on September 7. He tweeted, “All of No. 13 Oklahoma’s SEC opponents are ranked this week Sept 20 vs. No. 24 Auburn Oct 11 vs. No. 7 Texas (Dallas) Oct 18 at No. 11 S Carolina Oct 25 vs. No. 17 Ole Miss Nov 1 at No. 15 Tennessee Nov 15 at No. 19 Alabama Nov 22 vs. No. 25 Missouri Nov 29 vs. No. 3 LSU.”

They have nine opponents that have odds currently to win the national championship among the top 25 in the country. But J.D.PicKell saw a turnaround forecast for Venables’ squad. Back in May on the On3 podcast he said, “I do think that in October-November, with how brutal their schedule is, they’re going to ruin it for somebody…I would not be shocked in the slightest if we’re looking up at the end of the year and saying, ‘Oh man, that team, if they just hadn’t lost to Oklahoma, they could be in the playoff.’” 

So, how easy can Brent Venables take things at the moment? A 9-3 record is the bar for the Sooners head coach. After all, it would put them in the upper tier of the SEC standings and at the same time will put them in the College Football Playoff conversation.