Brent Venables recaps Oklahoma’s 42-3 win over Temple: Defense, special teams shine

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables praised his team’s maturity and defensive dominance after the No. 13 Sooners rolled past Temple 42-3 on Saturday to improve to 3-0.

READ THIS: Sooners take down Temple 42-3, lose Mason Thomas in first half next week due to targeting

Mindset on the Road

Venables said he was impressed with how Oklahoma responded in its first road game of the season.

“Really good, mature team win. Thought our guys had a great mindset when we showed up here to the stadium this morning. Coach did a great job having them ready to create, again, their own energy and their own intensity with just first test out going on the road.”

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Special Teams Standouts

Venables pointed to strong performances from the kicking game.

“Grayson Miller over 50 yards punt or maybe right there right at 50 yards and Sandell hit two 50 plus yard field goals. Offense again really got into a great rhythm.”

Check out our live game thread on X.

Key Defensive Stop Before Halftime

Venables said one of his favorite moments came late in the first half.

“We had to turn over there late before half. I thought just it was probably my favorite part of the game to watch the defense come out and knock him backwards, lost several yards and held him to a field goal.”

On Mason Thomas' Targeting Call

"I didn't see it, but you put your face to their face, a quarterback, they're gonna call it most of the time. So we'll be without him, obviously, first half next week.

Offense and Young Talent

The Sooners’ offense averaged more than five yards a carry, while several defenders recorded first career sacks.

“Offense rushed the ball for five and a half yards a carry and can still be better, but thought that they played that unit offensive line wise played really pretty good all day and defense gave up 38 yards in the second half, had eight three and outs and just really good command. … We had several guys have their first career sacks. We got a lot of good young players that are playing significant minutes.”

On Kendel Dolby’s Return

Venables became emotional talking about defensive back Kendel Dolby, who returned from a major leg injury suffered last season.

“Kendel Dolby, how cool was that? For me, man, I want to make a grown man cry. I'm just proud of him, everything that he's had to overcome, a very significant injury. … One of the best leaders that we have on the team, one of the most competitive players that we have on the team, just a lot of passion and energy when Kendel Dolby's around.”

On Jaydn Ott

"Yeah, again, you wish he was a little further along in every way, but you get in there, whatever opportunities you have, you get in there and you're ready. You got good juice, energy, aggressiveness, you're having an attack mindset, all those things, everything adds up, everything matters. And so we'd love to get him going. If all things are good in that regard that I just said, then his instincts, his speed, all of those things can be a real weapon.

Looking Ahead to SEC Play

Venables said creating turnovers will be critical as Oklahoma prepares for conference play.

“We've been preaching it. We start every practice with turnover circuit. They'll come. … But we got to do a better job, because that's going to be a really important part as we jump into SEC play here next week.”

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