Alabama Offense Changing Signals Ahead of Matchup with Oklahoma

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Ahead of week nine, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin mentioned how Oklahoma does a good job of 'interpreting signals' and getting the upper hand on opposing offenses under defensive-minded head coach Brent Venables.

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It was a contentious point leading into the Rebels' matchup with the Sooners, which Ole Miss won 34-26 in week nine. In week 12, Alabama faces that same tough Sooner squad in a rematch of Oklahoma's shocking 24-3 upset last season, which ended Alabama's playoff hopes. Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson recalled how 'spooky' that game felt in Norman last season.

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was asked during his Monday press conference about Venables and the Sooners' defense interpreting signals, where he cracked a smirk before giving his answer.

"For sure, on all fronts. They're good at that, number one. And number two, we're changing everything," Grubb said. "So if Coach Venables is listening, just know they're all changing. They do everything within the parameters of the game. Nothing illegal about what they do; they're good at what they do. Certainly have to take that into consideration."

Alabama's offense has sputtered over the last couple of games, scoring only 22 points offensively against South Carolina before struggling to put up 20 against the LSU Tigers. Grubb also shared his thoughts on Oklahoma's defense, which ranks No. 7 in the country in both total and scoring defense.

“Very multiple. They do a great job. Coach Venables has obviously been around a long time. He knows how to do it. He’s a guy that’s going to look to attack your weaknesses," Grubb shared. "He’s got a very specific game plan for each offense. I think that’s what makes him somewhat unique, is that how he attacks Ole Miss isn’t necessarily how he attacks Texas, and so on and so forth.

"The multiple looks up front, they have a lot of defensive looks as far as the secondary and how they match to the fronts, and how they mix that up and utilize their personnel in different ways. They got a big kid, No. 5, who’s kind of like the Simmons kid they had at Clemson. They move him all over the field, and he’s super athletic. They create different pictures for you, which, as an offensive guy, I can really look at and appreciate. He’s going to make you earn it.”

Alabama will face Oklahoma this Saturday, November 15, at 2:30 p.m.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.