Brent Venables shares biggest frustration from Michigan loss: ‘We didn’t take the layups’
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Oklahoma coach Brent Venables expressed frustrations with OU’s passing game while discussing the Sooners’ 17-10 loss on Sunday.
Quarterback John Mateer struggled mightily in the loss, completing just 17-of-33 passes for 189 yards. He also threw a crucial interception in the second half that proved to be the difference in the game.
Venables’ comments about Oklahoma‘s offense came during his weekly coaches show.
“We didn’t make the layups,” Venables said. “There’s lots of layups there. Some easy-access throws that help the offense stay on schedule so you cna have good balance in what you’re doing. We can’t miss those layups. We’re playing against anyone, let alone good teams on the road.
“We didn’t take what’s there and that’s frustrating. That’s the frustrating part … It’s one thing if they’ve got you covered up and our play designs aren’t there and they’re just better than you. That certainly wasn’t the case.”
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Mateer has repeated struggled against high-level competition since transferring to Oklahoma. Last season, Mateer had 5 games where he averaged 6 yards per attempt or fewer. Mateer is also averaging nearly 1 interception per game during his time with the Sooners.
It’s unclear if Venables and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle will consider a change at quarterback at some point during the 2026 season. Further down the depth chart, OU has former Mercer transfer Whitt Newbauer and true freshman Bowe Bentley as potential options.
Oklahoma will host New Mexico in Week 3.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
