Venables Talks Experiences vs. SEC at Clemson, ‘Unmatched’ SEC Fan Bases

Oklahoma is now an official member of the Southeastern Conference, with the Sooners and Texas Longhorns officially making their conference switch from the Big 12 to the SEC on Monday.

Oklahoma head football coach and former Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables joined The Paul Finebaum Show on Monday to discuss a number of topics.

Among the things Venables was asked about is his experiences vs. the SEC when he was at Clemson.

“Didn’t have to play them week in and week out, but certainly have an understanding of the footprint geographically, the recruiting, competitiveness, the commitment that is there from a facility (standpoint), from a roster, from a coaching staff. The intensity and the passion from top to bottom in that league from the fan bases – unmatched in all of college athletics,” Venables said.

“So, all of those things are going to bring the best out in us is what I believe.”

Venables, who won a national championship with the Sooners during his 13-year stint as an Oklahoma assistant coach and two more with Clemson during his 10-year stint as defensive coordinator, was named OU’s 23rd head football coach in December 2021.

Venables, who recently agreed to a new six-year contract with the Sooners, has gone 16-10 overall in his first two years as OU’s head coach.

Venables spoke with Finebaum about his new contract extension, what it means to join the SEC, Oklahoma’s storied football history and more.

You can check out his appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show in the following ESPN video:

–Photo courtesy Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman / USA Today Network

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