For the second year in a row, Ole Miss (6-1) and Oklahoma (6-1) face off, led by two masters of their craft: Lane Kiffin and Brent Venables. While the Rebels are coming off their first loss of the season, falling 35-43 to Georgia, the Sooners cruised past South Carolina 26-7. Now, as these SEC rivals gear up for their clash on October 25, with ESPN giving a slight edge to Oklahoma, Kiffin couldn’t help but praise the Sooners’ coach. But now it’s not a one-sided story, as Venables has an opportunity to respond.

It all started when Lane Kiffin gave credit where it was due. “It’s phenomenal prep,” said Kiffin, praising Venables and his team’s savvy defensive prep. “Film study of signals. I’ll just tell you how it is, I think they do a great job of that.” And when Brent Venables was asked for his take on the Ole Miss coach’s comments on Monday, he was candid. “I guess coming from Lane, I take it as a compliment,” he said. “He must have seen our guys really prepared.”

The Sooners’ defense is no joke. Oklahoma ranks No. 1 nationally in total defense with 223.3 YPG, and they’ve allowed only six TDs all season. Probably that’s why the Sooners’ HC couldn’t help but praise his squad’s defensive play. “Cause that’s who they are, man. They’re relentless. Their attention to detail, the time they spend above and beyond what’s required, that’s the proof of how we’re playing right now. That D-line, how they’re able to dominate physically,” he said.

On the flip side, the Rebels’ offense shone for 3 quarters but faltered in the fourth against Georgia. Yet, the Rebels HC knows what he’s up against. “If you study people really well, know tendencies, and have confidence to go after those, that seems to be what he does,” stated Kiffin. Now with Oklahoma holding teams under 300 yards almost every week, the Rebels will need to be sharp if they want to crack Venables’ signal-stealing machine. But the Sooners HC has been stealing signals since his Clemson days.

Venables was hired as a DC to fix what had fallen apart under Kevin Steele. Since taking over in 2012, Venables crafted one of the nation’s most feared defenses at Clemson. Moreover, for six straight years, Clemson’s defense lived in the Top 10. And no other program can boast of setting the standard like it did. With that kind of experience, it’s no surprise to the HC what his team accomplished.

Venables said he wasn’t sure why the topic came up, noting that every team they’ve faced in the past two years has huddled. Although he also added that between that and the helmet communication, he isn’t sure how it all works. But his focus remains on getting his players lined up with the right calls. “I guess I’ll take that as a kind of weird compliment,” said Venables. “Our guys must’ve looked pretty good on film.”While Venables has full trust in his defensive squad, the HC didn’t hold back when it came to the offense.

Brent Venables’ take on offensive keys

After a rough Red River showing, the Sooners answered the call, coming off a road win over the Gamecocks. And in that game, the Sooners controlled the tempo from start to finish with John Mateer at QB. While Mateer threw for 150 yards and a TD, the defense sacked Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers six times. “Heavy is the crown that goes to that position,” Venables said of his QB. “He’s exactly who I thought he was — nothing more, nothing less. He’s got all the right stuff: the guts, the toughness, the humility.” And Mateer’s rebound was the story.

Seventeen days after hand surgery, he looked far more like himself. That’s why Venables praised his leadership and mental edge, stating, “Just a dude that’s going to own everything, good and bad. He’s displayed competitive maturity. He’s one of the best leaders I’ve been around, adult or young man. And he’s really pretty remarkable.” Despite returning from injury, Mateer threw for 202 yards against Texas. Although his three interceptions stung, they contributed to Oklahoma’s 23-6 loss.

But after that loss, the Sooners bounced back under the leadership of OC Ben Arbuckle. And Venables took notice. “He’s a tough guy — ultra-competitive but humble,” admitted Venables. “And he takes an honest look at what’s good, what isn’t, and emphasizes the right things. He and the offensive staff did a great job putting our guys in position to win.” Now, with the toughest stretch of the season ahead, Oklahoma will need that same toughness to finish strong.