Oklahoma
COLUMN: Brent Venables Describes Oklahoma’s Process, How He’ll Make Improvements
NORMAN — The weekly regimented structure of college football must be adhered to.
But when a team is struggling, change might be necessary to that structure, or the process by which that structure is followed.
After escaping Houston 16-12 on Saturday night, coach Brent Venables said he and his coaching staff will “go back and reevaluate a lot of things.”
At his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Sooners On SI asked Venables what kinds of changes, or reevaluations, he would have in mind this week as the No. 15-ranked Sooners prepare to take on Tulane.
His answer was direct: Oklahoma players can expect more physical, more competitive practices moving forward — meaning, as Venables said, “more good on good.”
“It’s going to bring out the best in you,” Venables said, “competitiveness, fundamentals, things that you can coach and teach and correct off of tape when you’re going against good people.
“So the flip side of that is, guys get really competitive and … you’re a little more vulnerable to getting banged up, potentially.”
So Venables now finds himself in a conundrum: the team needs to practice harder to get better, but the team is already racked by injuries. It’s a risky balance he must find as the schedule will only get harder and harder.
“That’s how you get better,” Venables said. “I don’t know any other way. You can’t practice soft and play hard.”
Venables proudly pointed out that the Sooners rank tied for first in the nation in red zone scoring percentage (seven TDs on eight trips) and lead major college football in turnover margin (plus-3.50 per game). He also said OU leads the nation in field position thanks to an elite punter, good kickoff man quality coverage teams and a stingy defense.
But there are areas across the board on offense where Oklahoma is lagging — 108th nationally in total offense, 109th in passing offense, and 131st in third-down conversion percentage.
That last one ranks almost last in the country, ahead of Kent State and Jacksonville State.
So Venables will order more good-on-good work in practice. That’ll probably come in small-sided offensive line versus defensive line sessions, as well as more one-on-ones for receivers and defensive backs, and maybe some more live tackling. Maybe it’ll even result in a little more live scrimmaging during the week.
But, he added, improvements for this team will come in the form of more than just the Oklahoma Drill or scrimmages. A new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator, a new special teams coordinator, a new in-helmet communications system, a new methodology of presenting real-time sideline information with tablets, a new quarterback, a new offensive line — there are built-in hurdles that need to be figured out before they can be cleared.
“Some of it, you know, how we get into our plays on the call sheet?” Venables said. “Not trying to fit a score peg through the round circle. Or, again, get better at the at the basics. How do we execute this play? Things that we really believe in that have been good for us for a long time — how do we get better at it? And again, to me, you get better at it by doing it over and over and over until you can’t get it wrong. That’s what practice is all about.
“We’ve got to be more precise, and I we’ve got to take good angles. And when we’re position and tackle, use the right techniques to get them down, and gotta have really good eyes.
“Just continue to develop the discipline for it. And every week is a challenge of its own, because the presentations are different. So training your eyes is critical. And then there’s fundamentals and techniques that go along with every call you have.”
While the offense is struggling, the OU defense has shown signs of greatness. At Oklahoma, it’s been the other way around for going on 15 years — particularly since 2009, when the defense was elite behind All-American d-tackle Gerald McCoy and the offense struggled behind redshirt freshman quarterback Landry Jones and a rebuilt offensive line.
So Venables has literally been down this path before, though he was the defensive coordinator then, not the head coach.
“If you go outside of our football building,” he said, “I’m sure there’s a lot of divisiveness.
“So my job is to constantly nurture the right perspective. And again, the direction that we’ve got to go to improve: Keep your head down. Don’t get distracted. Make it about the basics. Got to get better. … You only gain confidence through executing the right way of practice. You know, doing the fundamentals and the basics really well over and over and over and over.
“And that’s got to be your foundation. And so we’ve got to be good teachers. We’ve got to have a great plan, as far as that development piece during the course of the week. And we get 20 hours (a week) to get them ready and get them better.”
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
-
World3 minutes agoEU will ‘come to its senses’ on Israel, former Netanyahu adviser says
-
News28 minutes agoSenate Ethics Committee dismisses complaint against Sen. Ruben Gallego
-
New York2 hours agoRead the Indictment of Malik Beasley
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoStolen Sea Scouts boat found in Marina del Rey, suspect arrested
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoMichigan House passes bill to restrict big investors from amassing single-family homes
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoSan Francisco rolls out heightened security measures ahead of World Cup knockout match, 4th of July
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoKlyde Warren Park reveals expansion plans, construction timeline
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoPerson hospitalized after fire breaks out at North Miami Beach apartment building
