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As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners, under the leadership of head coach Brent Venables, find themselves at a crossroads. Venables, known for his defensive prowess, has already made an indelible mark on the program since taking the reins in 2022. However, recent criticisms surrounding his play-calling, particularly when it comes to offensive strategy, have raised serious questions about the team’s future under his leadership. One analyst’s recent damning prediction paints a bleak picture for the Sooners should Venables’ decisions continue to go awry. The stakes are high, and Oklahoma’s football program could face a dramatic downfall if the right adjustments aren’t made.

### The Pressure on Brent Venables

Brent Venables is no stranger to high expectations. After an illustrious tenure as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, where he helped the Tigers win two national championships, Venables took the helm at Oklahoma with the goal of bringing the Sooners back to prominence on both sides of the ball. Venables inherited a team with a storied history, but one that had faltered in recent years, particularly on defense. His appointment was seen as a solution to Oklahoma’s defensive struggles, but many questioned how he would fare balancing that with an offensive identity in a conference known for its high-powered offenses.

While Venables’ defense showed immediate improvement, the offensive side of the ball remained inconsistent. In particular, the Sooners’ offense lacked the explosive, high-scoring tendencies that have traditionally defined Oklahoma football. This was a point of concern, given the team’s reputation for producing elite quarterbacks and offensive playmakers. But it’s not just the personnel and scheme that’s been scrutinized—it’s the decisions Venables himself makes during the games.

### A Question of Play-Calling

In college football, the role of a head coach extends far beyond general management; it also includes critical decisions on game day, particularly in regard to play-calling. Venables, known for his defensive genius, has yet to fully prove his ability to manage the offensive side of the ball. Many expected him to hire an offensive-minded coordinator to counterbalance his defensive expertise, but his reluctance to delegate that responsibility has raised alarms.

The Sooners’ offensive struggles are often traced back to Venables’ play-calling decisions. In key moments, Venables has shown a preference for conservative play-calling, especially when the game is on the line. This can be seen in his reliance on run-heavy schemes, often abandoning more aggressive or innovative passing plays, even when the offense is not producing as efficiently as it should be.

The criticism boils down to a fundamental issue: Oklahoma’s offense seems to lack the flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing game conditions. Against teams with formidable defenses, the Sooners have appeared stagnant, unable to execute the right plays at the right time. The question then becomes: Is Venables overestimating his own instincts and underestimating the need for dynamic offensive leadership?

### The Analyst’s Prediction: A Troubling Forecast for Oklahoma Football

This brings us to the recent prediction made by a well-known college football analyst, who warned that if Brent Venables’ play-calling decisions continue to falter, Oklahoma could find itself in a downward spiral from which it may not recover. The analyst outlined a potential scenario where the Sooners, under Venables’ continued decision-making, might struggle to make a bowl game in the coming seasons. It’s a damning projection for a program that is accustomed to competing for conference titles and playoff berths.

The crux of the analyst’s argument is that Oklahoma’s offensive stagnation could ultimately hinder its ability to compete in a competitive Big 12 Conference, let alone on the national stage. The analyst pointed out that teams like Texas, Kansas State, and even rising programs such as Kansas and Baylor, have shown more offensive creativity and adaptability in recent years. If Venables continues to rely on outdated schemes or conservative play-calling, Oklahoma risks falling behind in the arms race that is college football offense.

Beyond conference play, the analyst suggested that the Sooners’ recruiting efforts could also be impacted. High school players are increasingly drawn to programs that showcase an exciting and high-flying offense, as they look to maximize their exposure and develop under a system that allows them to shine. If Oklahoma’s offensive identity remains stagnant, it may struggle to attract top-tier offensive recruits, further hampering its ability to contend in the long term.

### Is Venables’ Defensive Genius Enough?

There’s no denying that Venables’ defensive coaching acumen is impressive. Under his guidance, Oklahoma’s defense showed significant improvements in 2022 and 2023, with more aggressive tactics and better overall performances. However, in today’s college football landscape, defense alone simply isn’t enough. With offenses around the country becoming increasingly potent, teams that fail to put up points in high-pressure situations will be left behind.

Venables may be one of the brightest minds in defensive football, but the reality is that he cannot rely solely on his defense to win games. College football, especially in a conference like the Big 12, has evolved into a shootout where the best offenses often reign supreme. The days of dominating with defense alone are largely gone, and teams like Oklahoma will need to embrace an up-tempo, multifaceted offensive approach to stay competitive.

### The Need for Offensive Innovation

In order for Oklahoma to avoid the fate predicted by the analyst, Brent Venables will need to make some tough decisions. Chief among them is recognizing that he cannot afford to continue micromanaging the offensive side of the ball. Hiring a dynamic offensive coordinator who can bring fresh ideas to the table would be an important step. Venables should focus on delegating play-calling duties to someone who can develop creative, game-changing strategies that will keep defenses guessing.

Additionally, Venables should focus on recruiting players who are capable of executing a modern, high-powered offense. Oklahoma has the infrastructure to attract top-tier talent, but it’s clear that the program will need to adjust its strategy to reflect the demands of the modern college football landscape.

### Conclusion

Brent Venables’ tenure at Oklahoma is still in its early stages, but the pressure is mounting. The Sooners’ identity is being tested, and their future success will depend largely on the evolution of their offense. If Venables continues down the same path of conservative play-calling, it could spell trouble for Oklahoma’s program. The prediction made by the analyst is a sobering reminder that the stakes are high, and the Sooners cannot afford to rest on their laurels. For Oklahoma to continue to thrive as a college football powerhouse, Venables must take a step back, reevaluate his approach to offensive strategy, and be willing to evolve—before it’s too late.