OU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and head coach Brent Venables addressed the media Tuesday after a 26-7 win against South Carolina. The No. 13 Sooners (6-1, 2-1 SEC) will face No. 8 Mississippi (6-1, 3-1 SEC) next at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on ABC.
Here are key takeaways:
Offensive line progress
OU's offensive line struggled the past two seasons but is coming off an improved performance.
The unit was riddled with injuries in 2024 and has faced health issues in 2025 as well with redshirt senior Troy Everett being out for the season. However, the unit contributed to the offense producing 171 rushing yards against South Carolina after averaging 122.3 going into the game.
"Running the ball, it makes everything easier," Arbuckle said. "It makes (redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer's) life easier. It makes my life easier as a play-caller. It makes those receivers' lives easier. And whenever you are able to run the ball, believe it or not, it actually makes the offensive line's life a lot easier too. ... It's important to winning any game."
Redshirt sophomore Heath Ozaeta, who recovered from an offseason injury, has had a pivotal role in the success.
Ozaeta missed all spring after playing in 12 games in 2024, including eight starts. However, he recorded 58 snaps against South Carolina and showcased his growth.
"He's improved a lot," Arbuckle said. "And offensive line's a developmental position. ... He was hurt throughout spring ball, and so the more time you get, especially at a very developmental position like offensive line, the more reps you get, the more continuity you get with the guy to your left and the guy to your right, who's a guard, the more continuity you get with that, it only helps everything"
Redshirt freshman Eddy Pierre-Louis has also contributed to the unit's progress. He recorded 12 snaps against South Carolina and received praise from Arbuckle.
"Eddy's a fun kid to be around," Arbuckle said. "He's got kind of a bubbly personality; he's really fun to be around. Then whenever you step on the football field, he's one of the more aggressive guys on the team. ... So whenever he gets his moments in the game and gets his opportunities, that translates over, and you see the strain."
Javonnie Gibson getting into rhythm
Redshirt junior wide receiver Javonnie Gibson has been making strides after recovering from a broken leg he suffered in the spring.
Gibson played his first game of the 2025 season against Kent State on Oct. 4 and recorded one reception for 5 receiving yards. He had one reception for 17 receiving yards against Texas on Oct. 11 before putting up 24 on five catches in the win over South Carolina.
"It just speaks to Javonnie and how he's handled himself," Arbuckle said. "He's been awesome. He's come in for extra work (and) craving extra study and solely because he wants to make sure he's doing the right thing at the right time. That builds trust, and that builds great dependability."
Arbuckle stated that Gibson sat with him on the plane to South Carolina to develop his understanding. Arbuckle gave a few tips going into the game, and the moment made an impression on the offensive coordinator.
"That's a level of buy-in that I think is huge for development," Arbuckle said. "And again, JaVonnie, he wanted to make sure he was prepared. ... There's a few things I pointed out to him after. Like, 'Hey, I need a little bit more strain right here from you.'"
OU prepares for Mississippi's offense
OU is set to face Mississippi and head coach Lane Kiffin's high-powered offense.
Mississippi ranks No. 8 in total offense and is coming off a 43-35 loss to No. 5 Georgia (6-1, 4-1).
"They've been impressive," Venables said. "Watching them play, they scored on their first five possessions against Georgia last week. Really good Georgia team, (and) heavyweight showdown, they came up on the short end of it, but they've got an excellent roster, an elite staff, staff that's won at the highest level. And they're playing really, really well."
Mississippi senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has recorded 1,549 passing yards in 2025 and comes winning a Division II national championship at Ferris State. Chambliss has put up over 250 passing yards in each of his first four starts at Mississippi, the first quarterback in the program to accomplish the mark since Eli Manning in 2001.
"Quarterback is just fabulous, man," Venables said. "He's a winner, being a former national champion, ... just enough to piss you off."
Mississippi's run game also poses a threat with sophomore running back Kewan Lacy. He has recorded 618 rushing yards and 97 receiving through seven games.
"The running back, man, he is super physical, ... and he's got concrete in his helmet when he's (in) pass protection," Venables said. "He knocks the heck out of blitzing linebackers or safeties."
