Oklahoma football head coach Brent Venables is scheduled to face former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby this Saturday in Starkville, Mississippi. The matchup marks the first time the two will compete against each other since Lebby took over as head coach at Mississippi State.
The Sooners' offense has struggled since the departure of Lebby, who served a two-year tenure in Norman. While Venables' first two seasons saw the offense rank 13th in 2022 and 3rd in 2023, the team currently ranks last among Power Four teams in total offense. Offensive coordinator hires under Venables have included Seth Littrell, who did not last a full season, and Ben Arbuckle.
Mississippi State has been led by Lebby since his hiring, recording a 3-17 record in the SEC. Before a recent loss to LSU, the Bulldogs were averaging 487 yards per game, nearly 7 yards per play, which would have ranked ninth nationally. The Bulldogs' offense features quarterback Kamario Taylor, who has a 17-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio, though his status for the game remains uncertain due to a foot injury.
The game features a clash between two units that have faced difficulties. Oklahoma defensive tackles coach Todd Bates, who filled in for Venables at a weekly news conference on Tuesday, noted that Lebby's offense is known for its speed. Bates stated that while Lebby will have the Bulldogs ready to play, the Sooners will be prepared as well.
The upcoming game is the last remaining SEC team the Sooners have yet to face. Other Power Four programs the Sooners have not played include Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Purdue, and Rutgers.
