Oklahoma’s one-sided win over Kent State kept the Sooners unbeaten, but HC Brent Venables wasn’t popping the champagne just yet. The reason? Penalties, and inefficiencies still lingered. Despite that, OU’s defense was nothing short of spectacular. The unit ranks in the top five nationally. Analyst Bob Konarski put it best, stating, “It’s one of the best in the country.” Josh Pate heaped some more praise, “Oklahoma had more sacks Saturday than 90 FBS teams have had all season.” All of this brings Oklahoma under the spotlight. Now, as the Sooners prep to face Steve Sarkisian’s Texas, GM Jim Nagy couldn’t resist making a bold statement about his team.

While Oklahoma enters this showdown at 5-0, Texas comes in at 3-2. Still, FanDuel lists Texas as a 1.5-point favorite. But Nagy isn’t worried, as he is confident in Oklahoma’s dominant defense. On Thursday, Oklahoma Football posted a statistic on X, ” 48% of OU’s opponents’ offensive plays have gone for zero or negative yards.” Resharing the stat, Nagy added, “Actually an insane stat five games into the season. Front-seven putting in work!” This shows the confidence Nagy has in his Sooners. Texas better stay on high alert. But this isn’t the first time that Nagy has been vocal about OU’s defense.

After OU edged Auburn 24-17, Nagy was all praise for the Sooners’ defensive play. “This stat is 🤧. Ferocious performance by OU Football front-seven vs. Auburn,” he exclaimed. In that game, the Tigers managed only 287 total yards. Because Oklahoma’s front-seven wreaked havoc with 8.5 sacks. And DE Mason Thomas made waves immediately, sacking a QB on just his 2nd snap back. Then Jayden Jackson piled on 2.5 sacks, while seven defenders recorded at least half a sack. That’s why senior DT Gracen Halton said to ESPN, “The whole thing behind that mindset is this. We’re them guys. No matter what, we’re here to play. That’s the mindset.” Here, Nagy didn’t hesitate to give credit where it was due.

“Smart DL and LB recruits are taking notice,” said OU GM. But much of the credit goes to Coach Venables. After Jim Knowles’ rejection, Venables’ defensive genius transformed the Sooners into a powerhouse. Through Week 7, the Sooners lead all Power 4 teams with 21 sacks, making their defense a nightmare for any QB. OU has also won 5 of its last 7 meetings against the Longhorns. Can Arch Manning be the X factor?

Oklahoma HC’s take on Arch Manning

After the recent stumbles, Arch Manning isn’t underestimating anyone. And Venables is taking notice, giving Manning full respect as the Red River Showdown looms. “Very talented, tough kid,” remarked Venables. “I loved how he battled and was able to bring his team back last week on the road in Gainesville, it’s a very difficult place to play.” Venables knows the Longhorns are far from your usual cupcake team.

He further praised Manning’s poise under pressure. “I just appreciate and respect the courage that I watched him play with as a young player. And hadn’t been in that position really much, if at all,” he said. Because from OSU to Florida, Manning tried to keep Texas in the game.

“He’s a leader. Heavy is the crown. That position has to carry a lot of weight. And he’s done it like a champ, in my opinion,” explained Venables. Then he acknowledged the lineage thing. “Comes from a lineage, that doesn’t guarantee anything, but so far, that’s what I’ve seen. Toughness, courage, the edginess, the response, all of those things are indicative of what I’m talking about.” So Texas may waver with Manning at the helm, but the Oklahoma HC is not taking any chances. He wants his Sooners to stay undefeated.