Brent Venables provides update on what held Gentry Williams out
Gentry Williams did not play in Oklahoma’s 38-33 loss to Kansas on Saturday. After the game, head coach Brent Venables revealed why Williams was absent.
Venables stated the sophomore defensive back was out with an injury. When asked if it was a long-term injury, Venables said, “I don’t think it’s long-term.” Williams has 19 tackles this season while tied for a team-high three interceptions.
The Sooners could have used Williams’ abilities on Saturday. In the loss, Oklahoma allowed 443 total yards. For reference, the Sooners only allow 369.6 yards per game this season. Nonetheless, Oklahoma’s secondary wasn’t at fault for the defense’s substantial lapse against the Jayhawks.
The Sooners recorded two interceptions against Kansas while only allowing Kansas QB Jason Bean to connect on 15-of-his-32 passes. In reality, Oklahoma’s loss was due to an overwhelming amount of mistakes.
The Sooners committed 11 penalties against Kansas, knocking them back 101 total yards. Further, the team couldn’t take care of the ball, committing three turnovers. Oklahoma’s sloppy play culminated in its final drive when the team failed to score due to clock mismanagement.
Brent Venables takes blame for Oklahoma’s loss
After the game, Venables took responsibility for the team’s final drive while pointing to the Sooners’ mistake-ridden performance, as well.
“I let our guys down on that two-minute drill,” Venables said. “Hurt for the guys. And as I told them, we’re not going to be defined by any one win or any loss. We got a lot still out in front of us. This one hurts. It stings. We got punished for a lack of details and discipline and just me having our guys not ready to play at a high level.
“Incredibly disappointed. Made too many mistakes today. Turned the ball over, penalties, timing on all of it was really poor,” Venables said. “Didn’t play with discipline. Same thing that — two weeks in a row, different ways, but it all counts the same. It’s discipline or lack thereof. 11 penalties for over 100 yards and three turnovers, not taking care of the football. I thought our guys played with effort. I don’t think we always played real smart.”
Oklahoma’s loss certainly derails it from the fast track to the College Football Playoff. However, the Sooners’ season isn’t close to over. With four regular season games remaining, Oklahoma can still squeeze its way into the CFP.
However, before OU can look ahead, it must deal with what’s in front of it. On Saturday, Oklahoma will face off against in-state rival Oklahoma State at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.