No. 8 OU's (9-2, 5-2 SEC) offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and head coach Brent Venables addressed the media Tuesday after a 17-6 win over No. 22 Missouri (7-4, 3-4). The Sooners will face Louisiana State University (7-4, 3-4) next at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Gaylord Family—Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on ABC.
Here are key takeaways:
Kendal Daniels leads OU defense despite key absences
OU’s defense has been one of the team’s most consistent strengths this season, even with certain players unavailable.
Senior linebacker Reggie Powers will miss the first half against LSU due to a targeting call against Missouri, while the Sooners were also without redshirt junior cornerback Gentry Williams, redshirt senior safety Kendel Dolby and senior defensive lineman R Mason Thomas against the Tigers. Their status for Saturday’s game remains uncertain, but Venables expressed confidence in the unit’s depth and preparation.
“They've got great skill to play that position. We've worked through that from a scheme standpoint, the ability of somebody playing more than one position, because you don't want to compromise the ability to execute the things that you need to execute within the game plan,” Venables said.
Redshirt senior linebacker Kendal Daniels has quickly emerged as a key contributor, both on the field and in the locker room. Daniels brings valuable experience from his time at Oklahoma State, where he recorded 240 total tackles, 7.5 sacks and five interceptions over three years. Since transferring to OU, he has recorded 42 total tackles.
“He’s earned a lot of respect from the teammates because of how he handled his transition,” Venables said. “He never came in here with a presumptuous mindset.”
Statistically, OU ranks among the top teams nationally in defensive efficiency, allowing just 280.5 yards per game and limiting opponents’ third-down conversions to 30.2%, demonstrating the unit’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Offensive leaders keep OU competitive despite inconsistencies
The Sooners’ offense has faced challenges this season, particularly in the running game, but leadership and consistency have helped keep the unit competitive. Sophomore running back Xavier Robinson and redshirt junior wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III have led the attack, while redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer has been a stabilizing force both on and off the field.
“He’s an alpha. He’s somebody that runs towards that responsibility,” Venables said. “The team sees him working every day… he’s incredibly competitive, tough-minded… but also serious about his business.”
Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle also highlighted Mateer’s poise and decision-making.
“It starts with the quarterback. Is he confident? Does he get the ball out of his hands quickly? Ultimately, staying ahead of the chains and being efficient, that’s kind of what it is,” Arbuckle said.
Despite the leadership, the passing offense struggled again in last Saturday’s 17-6 win over Missouri. Mateer threw for his third straight game under 200 passing yards, with 173 yards on 14-of-30 attempts.
While the passing game stalled, the running back room provided a steadier foundation, and Robinson has been a leader of consistency and effort.
“(Robinson) might be the toughest player on our offense,” Arbuckle said. “I'm proud of everything he does as a running back — catching the ball in the backfield, being physical whenever he gets the ball in his hands. His pass protection has been spot on.”
Robinson, the rushing leader, has amassed 408 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season, providing a steady presence despite injuries to other running backs.
“The identity of our offense is doing what winning requires, playing smart, complementary football. We need to be a little bit more efficient, be a little bit more detail… but, at the end of the day, you have to constantly do what winning requires.” Arbuckle said
Even with recent inconsistencies, OU’s offense has maintained competitiveness, relying on leadership, preparation, and adaptability to stay effective as the Sooners close out regular-season play.
OU prepares for LSU challenge
With a talented and well-coached LSU team ahead, both Venables and Arbuckle emphasized that success will require precise execution, attention to detail and situational awareness.
“They can get behind you. Great explosive plays when we played them last year—both kickoff return, the punt return are the most explosive that we have faced this year,” Venables said.
Venables also credited interim head coach Frank Wilson, noting that LSU has responded well under his leadership.
“Coach Wilson has done an admirable job rallying the football team and had a couple of really good wins,” he said.
However, it’s the quarterback, Michael Van Buren Jr., a transfer from Mississippi State, Venables praised his skill set:
“He's a guy that we worked really hard and tried to get here to OU. Very mature, tremendous arm talent, really rich with his legs as well … he throws with great anticipation, can get out of trouble, has clear talent and confidence.”
Van Buren’s background supports that assessment. As a true freshman in 2024 at Mississippi State, he threw for 1,886 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding five rushing touchdowns. This season at LSU, he has stepped into the starting quarterback role, replacing Garrett Nussmeier, who is sidelined with an abdominal injury. Through part of the 2025 season, Van Buren has completed 64% of his passes, throwing four touchdowns and one interception.
OU’s focus remains on fundamentals, precision and maximizing every opportunity — both offensively and defensively — to take advantage of matchups and execute at a high level.
“It’ll be an interesting test for us… and our guys are really looking forward to welcoming LSU to Oklahoma for the first time ever.”
