U40: Venables' depth on defense, CFP rankings and OU gameday atmosphere

U40: Venables' depth on defense, CFP rankings and OU gameday atmosphere

Author: SoonerScoop.com November 6, 2025 Duration: 1:30:52
The Unofficial 40 is back for the least tense episode in a while. It's a bye week and we have plenty to talk about with the first CFP rankings released last night. We also get into a discussion about the depth of the OU defense and how uncommon this team is from that perspective. How has Venables done it? And has there ever been a great cornerback at Oklahoma that people didn't complain about at one time or another? Coaches are being fired left and right. We're living in unprecedented times. We're also wondering if Jackson Arnold has a home after struggling at Oklahoma and Auburn? Where could we see him land next? Carey isn't happy that the WR position in college isn't valued higher by the Oklahoma front office. And what can the Sooners do to improve their gameday operations that Eddie and George took away from their trip to Tennessee? That and much more on another edition of the Unofficial 40. THE FULL RUNDOWN FOLLOWS BELOW: 0:00 - Welcome back to the Unofficial 40! Scoop office network talk; Eddie tries to save you the listener the time. Hero.6:00 - Bye week in Norman; CFP initial rankings on Tuesday: OU is No.1226:00 - Where does Jackson Arnold end up?32:00 - Value in developing a high school QB38:00 - More focus should be on WR portal?48:00 - Sooners have, indeed, developed DEPTH on the defensive side of the ball1:02:00 - Recruiting1:11:00 - Quick sidebar: How can OU make its gameday atmosphere comparable to Neyland Stadium? We have some thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For fans who live and breathe University of Oklahoma athletics, Oklahoma Sooners Unofficial 40 is the essential audio companion. Brought to you by the seasoned team at SoonerScoop.com, this podcast digs into the stories, strategies, and personalities that define OU sports. While Sooners football is a central pillar, the conversation extends across the entire athletic department, offering analysis on basketball, softball, and other programs that carry the crimson and cream banner. The show also provides crucial insight into the future of the teams through dedicated recruiting coverage, tracking the high school prospects who are poised to become the next generation of Sooners legends. Each episode feels like a candid discussion among knowledgeable friends, breaking down game performances, coaching decisions, and the latest news from Norman without the filter of official press conferences. It’s the kind of detailed, behind-the-scenes perspective that fans crave, delivered with the authority and access that only comes from the SoonerScoop.com crew. Tune in for a direct line to the heart of OU athletics, where every win, loss, and roster move is examined with a fan’s passion and an insider’s depth. This is the unofficial guide for the dedicated supporter, a podcast that captures the full spectrum of what it means to follow the Sooners.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Oklahoma Sooners Unofficial 40
Podcast Episodes
U40: South Carolina may determine the future of OU's offense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:21
The Sooners are at a crossroads as South Carolina heads to town. The offense is full of mistakes and Brent Venables is finally talking about it. The future of the quarterback position may depend on Michael Hawkins Jr.'s…
U40: What has to happen for OU to beat Texas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:05
It's OU-TX in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Quinn Ewers expected to return. OU's defense expected to be there. Michael Hawkins Jr., becomes the first true freshman to lead the Sooners into this battle with just six other re…
U40: Will OU's offense be better or worse against Auburn? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:21
SEC firsts haven't gone well for Oklahoma. After a 25-15 loss to Tennessee in their SEC home opener, the Sooners travel to Auburn, Ala., for their SEC road opener. In this episode we talk about the QB change from Jackson…
U40: It's a massive game in Norman. OU vs. Tennessee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:41
Usually during game weeks, you get a little worn out talking about the same things over and over. But not this week. This is the week you love to try and figure out exactly what we could see happen in the biggest matchup…
U40: The run game is what fixes OU's offense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:48
It's Wednesday. There may be some hope in the air after everyone has gotten the doom and gloom out of their system. At least the people inside the Scoop offices. We've heard from players and Brent Venables. We've watched…
U40: What can be fixed and who can step up on offense for Houston? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:48
Is the Scoop staff at war with each other over the offensive line situation? Maybe. But mainly we're all just trying to figure out who the hell is going to be the starting center Saturday against Houston. Injuries have r…
U40: Standouts are emerging in preseason camp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:45
It's a megasized preseason camp edition of the Unofficial 40. We don't leave a single position out of this breakdown of things we've heard from practice, scrimmages, injuries, etc. Carey, Josh, Eddie and George are all h…