The Oklahoma football program dominated during their season opener on Friday, besting the Temple Owls 51-3. Despite the score, Oklahoma presented lackluster moments on offense, struggling with drops from receivers and allowing an uncharacteristic amount of sacks. However, while the offense had stretches of mediocracy, the defense posted an elite performance, holding Temple to just 197 yards of offense.
Oklahoma enters the 2024 season with new defensive coordinator Zac Alley, formerly of Jacksonville State. Alley, a disciple of head coach Brent Venables during their time together with the Clemson Tigers in the early and mid-2010s, had his defense flying around on Friday while presenting the Temple offense with unique coverages and pass rush stunts. Following the game, Venables showered Alley with praise.
Oklahoma Football HC Brent Venables Has High Praise for DC Zac Alley
Following his team’s commanding win over the Temple Owls on Friday, Oklahoma football head coach Brent Venables praised his defense and play-caller Zac Alley for an elite 60-minute performance:
I am really proud of the defense. I thought that from start to finish, the defense played outstanding. Six sacks, nine tackles for loss, forced six turnovers, and scored a touchdown. I think that’s the first time we had six turnovers in a game since 2003. We had only six forced fumbles last year, and we had four tonight. I really loved how aggressive and confident our guys were moving and flying to the ball and being aggressive and knocking the ball loose—fantastic job by the defense. Coach Alley got game ball in his debut. It was a pretty solid day.
Venables commended his team for neutralizing Temple’s rush offense and their ability to play downhill against the counter and power run schemes. Meanwhile, Venables glorified defensive lineman Gracen Halton, calling him “super athletic” and “twitchy” while playing with a remarkable passion. Halton finished the contest with two tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Oklahoma generated six sacks, using pre-snap coverage and blitz disguises to coordinate advantageous rushing opportunities. The Sooners routinely showed pre-snap looks hinting at pressure only to drop seven defenders, much to the displeasure of Temple quarterback Forrest Brock.
Brock opened the game 1-of-7 for -2 yards and an interception. The Owls rushing attack presented a minimal challenge for the Sooners’ stout front seven. Oklahoma football recorded their most takeaways in a first half since 2011, eventually finishing with two interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Star safety Billy Bowman recorded a fumble recovery, while linebacker Danny Stutsman had six combined tackles. Last season, OU allowed 23.5 points per game, their lowest in an entire season since 2015. They will host the Houston Cougars next Saturday.
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