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Oklahoma Sooners' Defense Dominates Ahead of Playoff Clash

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Brent Venables, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, leads the defense ahead of the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners, ranked eighth at 10-2, lead the nation in tackles for loss and are tied for first in sacks.
They will face No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3) in the first round.
The Oklahoma Sooners' linebackers Kip Lewis and defensive end R Mason Thomas have 72 tackles and 6.5 sacks respectively.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 College Football Playoff (CFP) marked a significant shift from the Bowl Championship Series, introducing a four-team knockout format to determine the national champion. The inaugural championship on January 12, 2015, saw Ohio State defeat Oregon 42-20, securing their eighth national title. This change increased fan engagement, with attendance rising by 20%, and reshaped team strategies, emphasizing defensive performance.

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Story summary

Brent Venables, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, leads the defense ahead of the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners, ranked eighth at 10-2, lead the nation in tackles for loss and are tied for first in sacks.
They will face No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3) in the first round.
The Oklahoma Sooners' linebackers Kip Lewis and defensive end R Mason Thomas have 72 tackles and 6.5 sacks respectively.

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