Brent Venables, Dillon Gabriel, Jalil Farooq, Danny Stutsman and Gentry Williams speak to the media following the Sooners' 34-30 victory over Texas.
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00:00 I've coached in the big scheme, but been in a whole bunch of really,
00:05 really big games and 15 of these.
00:07 And this one takes a back seat, doesn't take a back seat to any one of them.
00:12 National championships, conference championships, just all the scenarios,
00:18 the moments, the big plays, both sides of the ball.
00:22 Again, the things when your back's against the wall,
00:26 your goal line stands and Hail Mary's into the end zone.
00:30 A two minute drill to go 75 yards with no timeouts.
00:34 The forced interceptions to start the game.
00:39 And they come out and they block a punt.
00:42 And just, I love watching young people respond and to believe.
00:48 And our guys have an unshakable belief, I know that.
00:52 And what a display and so incredibly proud of them, the coaches,
00:57 our staff, just to get them to this moment.
01:00 And to get the 6-0 against a really good Texas football team that's well coached.
01:07 And got a bunch of great players and they laid it all on the line as well.
01:11 Just really, it was fun to be a part of a game like that.
01:20 But I can't brag enough on our players.
01:23 Just their toughness, their leadership, their effort,
01:28 their strain, their love for one another.
01:30 I love what we're building.
01:34 And as we've said for a while now,
01:38 again, there's no limits on what this team can do.
01:41 And no excuses either.
01:43 We got everything that we need.
01:45 We're certainly not there.
01:46 There's plenty that we'll have to improve and get better at.
01:50 But boy, I'm just really thankful for our players and their effort.
01:56 They're nothing short of amazing today.
01:58 >> We'll start front row all the way on the left.
02:01 >> Dylan, you've always been a really good two minute quarterback.
02:06 So take me through, it's 122 to go, what's your thinking?
02:10 And then take me through the drive if you don't mind, please.
02:13 >> Yeah, starting out I saw 117 on the dot and I know we're getting at the 25.
02:20 So just starting to drive out right,
02:22 trying to create a completion with Drake across the middle.
02:26 From there you're rolling and you kinda got that rhythm, that flow.
02:30 And then I believe throw Jaleel on the sideline so he gets another chunk.
02:36 And as time's dwindling, as you get to that midfield, just knowing.
02:42 We can get three within a 20 yard gain, but also a chance to win the game.
02:50 But not taking a sack is in my mind and
02:53 find a way to either first down, touchdown or out of bounds.
02:56 So after that, did get flushed, found Drake in the middle again.
03:02 He gets a good chunk, now we're in the plus territory, but
03:04 I also know clock's running.
03:07 And I think, sorry, I'm kinda blazing,
03:12 but I think the next play, you know what happened?
03:16 >> [LAUGH] >> Say that one more time.
03:19 >> And.
03:21 >> Was that the second, was that the next one?
03:22 >> The penalty.
03:23 >> No, we got a penalty, okay, yes.
03:25 We got a penalty down the sideline, so we get plus 15.
03:27 Now we're in the red zone, but I know that, or the tight zone, but
03:30 now we got near the 30 to 20 second mark.
03:35 So same thing, touchdown or out of bounds.
03:38 So just saw the corner clamp and then seen Nick in the back of the end zone.
03:45 And man, that's what we practice, week in and week out.
03:48 And I'm just proud of everyone coming together, controlling the chaos and
03:53 just dialing it in.
03:54 That's big time football and something you dream of as a little kid.
03:58 So just being a part of it is something special,
04:00 especially with all these guys in that locker room.
04:03 I love every single one of them, so.
04:05 >> A little front row on the left.
04:06 [BLANK_AUDIO]
04:09 >> Yeah, Dylan, I wanna ask you more specifically about that touchdown pass,
04:14 the pressure clamps around you.
04:16 What was your process there that you're supposed to go through on that play?
04:21 How did it develop?
04:22 And then did you know as soon as you let it go that Nick was gonna get it?
04:27 >> Yeah, so initially we had our man and zone beater.
04:32 But obviously knew his zone, knew I couldn't get sacked there.
04:38 So my process was touchdown or out of bounds.
04:41 And as he clamped that flat, just found Nick in the back of the end zone and
04:45 the rest is history, so.
04:47 >> We're gonna go second row on the right.
04:50 [BLANK_AUDIO]
04:53 >> Dylan, there's been so many great OU quarterbacks come through here,
04:57 have these type of moments.
04:59 And the critique is always there for quarterbacks at this school.
05:03 Do you feel any sort of validation with your performance today and
05:07 just what this moment means to you?
05:09 And for you, Brent, too, what did it mean to see the way Dylan performed today?
05:14 >> I'll start out, this is our moment.
05:16 And I'm a big team guy.
05:18 This is what we've worked for.
05:20 This is the offseason training with next to these three guys.
05:24 And coach pushing us, this is a team effort.
05:27 And that's what it was.
05:29 I always say it, there's no throw without a block and
05:32 there's no pitch without a catch.
05:35 So just seeing everyone make plays and find a way to win, that's all that matters.
05:41 I always say it's a WRL and we just wanna find ways to get W's and
05:46 keep moving and keep getting better.
05:47 >> Third row, I'm sorry, go ahead, go ahead, coach.
05:51 >> He's the calmest guy I've ever been around at the quarterback position.
05:56 He's got great belief in the players around him, incredibly humble.
06:00 You don't see him ever tooting his own horn.
06:05 And he's always trying to compliment and call someone else up.
06:10 But he's prepared, he's worked really, really hard.
06:12 He's been one of the most consistent players in our program, from the leadership
06:17 and showing up every day with the right mindset and
06:19 bringing out the best in his teammates.
06:21 So he was fearless.
06:23 And again, I don't put any limits on what Dylan can do.
06:26 He's playing as confident as anybody on our team right now.
06:31 And that's, I think he understands the collective parts of the rest of
06:36 the offense and the defense and the kick and game and doing their part.
06:41 So really, really proud.
06:43 And he's just a guy that has, he gonna find a way to get it done.
06:46 >> Third row on the right.
06:49 This is a two parter for you, Dylan and also Jalil.
06:53 Coach Sarkeesian said, Dylan, that your legs was a big key to winning the game.
06:57 One, did you think that would be a part of your success?
07:01 And two, Jalil, this is also among receivers step up big.
07:05 And you guys have had different guys, but you were kind of consistent.
07:08 I'll just talk about your day as well.
07:10 >> Dylan, go ahead and go first.
07:11 >> I'll just say, man, I knew at a certain point,
07:17 big plays were gonna have to be made and chunk plays.
07:19 That's things we talk about in the explosive play battle.
07:23 And being able to have the ability for things to clear out and
07:27 use my legs is something, man, it needed to happen.
07:30 So I'm glad it did and I'll continue to keep it simple, is finding ways to win.
07:36 And if it's using my legs, if it's throwing the ball, if it's handing the ball off,
07:39 whatever way to win is really my main focus.
07:43 And just everyone come together collectively,
07:47 the defense getting a bunch of big stops.
07:49 Special teams playing big when we need it and
07:50 then the whole coming together in the right moment.
07:54 I think that kind of was on display today.
07:57 >> And Jalil.
08:00 >> Just to go back to 365 days since we had this game,
08:05 just us every day working out.
08:09 With Coach Schmidty, we've been there 49 mid balls,
08:12 just putting in work consistently.
08:13 So I just thought back to them days.
08:17 So just being able to make plays when I can, big time player make plays.
08:20 So every opportunity I get, I took advantage of it.
08:24 >> Third row on the right.
08:25 >> Gentry, Danny, coach is talking about, Brent's talking about what a thrill
08:29 this game is.
08:30 I'm curious from the player's perspective, do you allow yourself to enjoy this?
08:34 How do you guys manage the emotions and
08:37 how does that speak to the evolution of this team?
08:39 >> Yeah, I think obviously when a school board hits all zeros,
08:43 that's when you really kind of soak it all in.
08:46 In the moment when there's those big plays, looking back last year,
08:50 last week we had that pick six.
08:52 I think we kind of got too over excited.
08:55 I think this week we really settled down after Gentry had that really great
08:58 interception, we kept our poise.
09:00 We said that's just one drive.
09:01 We got a lot of game left, we gotta keep going, keep attacking.
09:04 I think our guys did a tremendous job, just focused, we were physical all day.
09:07 I'm really proud of the guys up front, and
09:09 they really brought it every single snap.
09:11 And what a great team effort from both sides of the ball,
09:13 really played complimentary football together.
09:14 >> Like Danny said, I think we just had to stay focused, and
09:18 when we got the opportunity to make big plays, we had to keep our head down,
09:21 just keep playing the next play.
09:22 I think that was the biggest thing that we did really well today, and
09:24 we executed when we needed to.
09:26 >> Second row on the left.
09:29 >> For Brent, obviously last year this game did not go the way you wanted.
09:32 Where do you feel this program is now a year and
09:35 a half into since you took the job?
09:38 >> Yeah, I mean, I think it goes without saying, I know I've talked about this,
09:41 we're better in every area.
09:43 And we're not where we wanna be, but this is the next step.
09:49 And this team is a very determined football team.
09:54 And there's, again, a lot of belief for having 63 new players on the squad.
10:00 This is a team that's close.
10:02 There's love, trust, and respect that's genuine.
10:06 And again, I think we have a very selfless football team.
10:09 And as keepers of the room at this great university,
10:14 there have been a lot of former great teams and players and coaches.
10:17 And again, what this program has represented, and I think a year,
10:21 12 months into it, this is a team that they embrace that.
10:24 They recognize that, and
10:26 they understand the responsibility that comes with that.
10:30 And that's a blue collar mindset, and
10:33 that's showing up every day with the same attitude.
10:36 And to be an example of consistency, that's what the great programs are.
10:40 And we're striving to be that, again, as we build it one day at a time.
10:45 And this was another moment for us, and
10:48 the things that you don't get back, time and words and opportunity.
10:52 And this was a great opportunity for us today to take that next step.
10:57 This was an important one.
10:58 Last year was an embarrassment.
11:01 My hands are all over that.
11:02 And the players that played for us last year,
11:07 they were hurt from that too.
11:11 And ultimately, my job as the leader is to get the best out of them.
11:16 And I did a very poor job of that.
11:20 So those are things that you don't get bitter from it, you get better.
11:24 And as I've told the team several times,
11:27 I've been on my knees plenty in this profession.
11:30 And I've always been able to respond the right way and
11:36 try to be a great example for these guys.
11:37 And these guys ultimately the ones that do the work,
11:40 that make a decision, that lead the locker room.
11:43 And put us in a position today where we're 6-0, half of the season's done.
11:47 We got a lot to improve.
11:49 We gotta get healthy.
11:51 And just being the bye week comes at a really good time for us.
11:56 And again, we got a lot of football still to be played.
11:59 And so there's a maturity about this team
12:03 after having what they have gone through.
12:06 And we've educated all the newcomers as well to where we're at.
12:10 So certainly there's a redemptive piece to it.
12:15 But it's not redemptive to me personally, it's to this team and
12:20 this program and what this program has stood for for a really, really long time.
12:25 >> Front row on the right.
12:27 Dylan, could you try to explain the difference in the way you felt last year
12:33 when you could not play and you had to sit out there and watch that.
12:37 Versus the high point of scoring that winning touchdown and
12:41 that emotion, the difference in those.
12:44 >> Yeah, I'm a big believer in God bringing everything full circle.
12:48 And I think just in general, when you step away from the game,
12:53 it puts into perspective how beautiful it is and how gracious it is.
12:57 And you can never take that for granted.
12:59 And yeah, it was totally different, a different feeling.
13:05 But man, this is team 129 and this is what we're all about.
13:11 And just continue to get better and pushing one another.
13:14 I look this guy Danny in the eyes every single day at practice and
13:17 just him pushing me as a leader, as a friend.
13:20 And everyone in that facility, I love how much they love this team and
13:25 that means a lot to me.
13:27 >> Front row left.
13:28 >> Yeah, for Brent and for Danny, can you guys talk about the defense,
13:33 three takeaways, five sacks, goal line stand.
13:38 All those unbelievably impactful plays and
13:40 how they kinda impact at the end of this game.
13:42 >> Danny, go ahead, go first.
13:43 >> Okay, well, I mean, every single Tuesday, it's Tanoga Tuesday,
13:48 takeaways equals victory.
13:50 That's been a big emphasis on this team this year.
13:53 I think just looking back at it, I'm just so proud of how well we've responded.
13:57 When adversity strikes, we keep our poise, we don't flinch and we keep swinging.
14:01 I think looking back last year, obviously that game happened, man.
14:06 I told you guys earlier, I remember that feeling.
14:09 That's something that the older guys, we experienced that.
14:11 And there's every single day, you go to bed, you think about that.
14:14 And there's only so much that you can do, all that hard work,
14:17 every single extra set that you do in the weight room is for a game like this.
14:21 And I think our team did a tremendous job responding, man, and
14:24 all that hard work has finally paid off, but we have so much more to achieve.
14:27 >> Yeah, we just, again, they've had an aggressive mindset.
14:31 We're playing physical, we're playing aggressive because of all their hard work.
14:36 Certainly off the field, but they put a lot of time on their own.
14:41 And I've told these guys this several times,
14:45 that leadership's gonna drive this football team at the end of the day.
14:49 And coaches can't play.
14:50 Players decide on whether or not they wanna be successful and
14:53 whether or not they're willing to do what it takes.
14:55 Now, I know what they're capable of, but what are they willing to do?
14:59 And they've been the example.
15:01 All these guys up here have been the example.
15:03 Danny's been an amazing leader.
15:04 You ask about defense, he's been an amazing leader.
15:06 As good a leader as I've been around.
15:08 And he's imposed his will from a leadership standpoint, and
15:11 he's drug guys with him.
15:12 All the while, he's remained incredibly humble.
15:15 And I let you coach him hard.
15:16 He knows he's not where he needs to be.
15:19 But he gonna give you everything he's got, and he can go right back to work.
15:22 And that's this football team.
15:25 They're not a satisfied football team.
15:27 And so I love the competitiveness of this team, but also the maturity and
15:32 the humility that it takes and the respect they have to be a great program.
15:37 What it's gonna take moving forward.
15:39 >> Front left.
15:40 >> Brent, you gave up 30 points, but
15:44 this is a long way from what the defense was last year.
15:46 I'm wondering what, if you could compare this defense to when you were here
15:50 the first time, are there any of those teams that this defense reminds you of?
15:54 >> It reminds me a little bit of that 1999 to 2000.
16:01 Just no offense to those guys back in the day, no offense to these guys.
16:06 But I use the word, we're a bunch of misfits back in 2000.
16:10 We didn't know how good we could be.
16:12 And man, that was a group, they were tough as all get out.
16:15 And man, they raggedy up, and they just came every day and went to work.
16:20 And these guys have been exactly that.
16:22 We're a little shinier in some spots than that group.
16:24 But also, I think the parallels are that you didn't know how good we could be.
16:29 And what that team was committed to was just improving each and every day.
16:33 The guys that were two best friends on the team that people didn't know was
16:37 Torrence Marshall, our middle linebacker, and Josh Heupel.
16:40 Two guys from completely polar opposite ends of the earth.
16:44 One from Dade County, Florida, and one from Aberdeen,
16:49 or somewhere up north in the farmland.
16:53 And guys couldn't be more opposite as people.
16:57 But man, those were the real fiber of our football team.
17:03 And this is the team that has grown incredibly close over the last several
17:07 months, but these guys have worked hard at that.
17:09 Yeah, that didn't just happen.
17:10 There's gotta be a lot of intentionality.
17:12 Relationships take a lot of work.
17:13 We've challenged them, we've nurtured that.
17:16 But for us to realize our potential and have an opportunity to be a great team,
17:20 man, we gotta be a team that knows each other, that loves each other,
17:24 that understands the culture, and that defends the standard of excellence that
17:27 this program is representing.
17:29 And these guys have been amazing.
17:32 >> Front right.
17:32 >> Yeah, Dylan.
17:33 Last drive, you go out there, didn't do this then, but can you do it now?
17:38 Can you imagine what's going on in Honolulu as you guys make that drive, and
17:43 what happens in Honolulu when Nick catches that ball?
17:46 >> Man, I got a lot of family back home that just love me and
17:56 are very supportive of my dreams and aspirations.
18:00 And there's three things I represent, that's the name on front,
18:04 the name on my back, and the state of Hawaii,
18:09 just because, man, that's what made me.
18:12 And I hold it heavy cuz I love that place,
18:16 I love everything it represents.
18:20 And that's love, humility, and respect, and I'll forever be that, so.
18:24 >> You go back right corner.
18:27 >> Yeah, the defensive guys and Coach Venerables, that goal line stand,
18:33 they get the first down, they get inside the one yard line.
18:36 Can you guys walk us through just those plays and
18:40 how that can potentially help you guys moving forward throughout the season
18:43 mentally?
18:44 >> Gentry go first this time, please.
18:45 [BLANK_AUDIO]
18:49 >> Please.
18:50 >> All right, so- >> He was on the sideline.
18:54 >> [LAUGH] >> So first off,
18:57 the coach did a tremendous job game planning that exact scenario.
19:00 We put together a perfect package for that situation.
19:04 We had young guys like Kip Lewis come in, we're ready to play.
19:07 He was locked in, dialed in.
19:09 At the end of the day, a goal line situation like that comes down to heart.
19:11 Now how bad someone wants it, how bad team,
19:14 you can really come together and generate a push.
19:17 I think the guys up front did a tremendous job, all four snaps to really just
19:21 give it all they got, one snap at a time, one second at a time.
19:24 And guys like Kip Lewis, Jaron, Desan, Billy, all those guys did a tremendous job.
19:29 Just trusting their job, trusting their fit.
19:31 And when they came in that gap, explode through it.
19:33 And I think, end of the day, that was the outcome that happened.
19:36 [BLANK_AUDIO]
19:39 >> We'll go front center.
19:41 >> Brent, there's gonna be a lot of attention.
19:42 There already has been a lot of attention on Dylan this season.
19:44 Now this game's gonna even bring it to another level.
19:47 How comfortable are you gonna be with him getting a lot more Heisman attention now?
19:52 And then I'll ask Jaleel, how would you politic for him being a Heisman contender?
19:56 And then finally, Dylan, how do you handle that Heisman attention?
19:59 >> Let's go opposite.
20:01 Let's go Dylan, Jaleel, and then we'll finish with Coach.
20:04 [BLANK_AUDIO]
20:07 >> I'll say this, it's not my main focus.
20:10 I'm focused on heading into this bi-week and getting better,
20:15 watching the tape and finding ways to get better.
20:17 And then, shoot, taking it one week at a time.
20:19 And I think as you do that, the rest will take care of itself.
20:22 And I'm a big believer in that.
20:25 I know it's the forefront of what we're all about.
20:27 So just taking it one week at a time and
20:29 staying present, that will take care of itself, so.
20:32 >> Jaleel?
20:35 >> I've been saying this since day one, since I met him.
20:36 He's one of them guys that bring it day in, day out.
20:40 Consistent, great leader.
20:42 And I'm gonna keep saying it.
20:44 He deserves the Heisman this year.
20:46 So I'm gonna keep promoting that till he gets it.
20:47 [BLANK_AUDIO]
20:49 >> Finally, Coach?
20:50 >> There's no doubt, Dylan's, he's one of the best in college football.
20:55 And it's deserving of the praise he's been given.
20:58 And he'll be the first one to tell you his main goal is to be as good of
21:02 a leader as he can and do his part, one of 11 on the offense.
21:06 He's been amazing.
21:06 And again, Dylan is a smart guy.
21:11 He realizes he's continuing to take care of business, continuing to improve.
21:14 Come show up every day with the same mindset, level of consistency,
21:18 all that stuff takes care of itself at the end.
21:20 But man, he's an assassin, no doubt about it.
21:23 >> Front row left.
21:25 Hey, Brant, two touchdowns on the ground today for Tawi.
21:27 What do you see out of him today?
21:29 And what impresses you the most about his approach?
21:30 Where just making the most of his opportunities.
21:33 >> No, he's a great example.
21:35 He's not out there for as many snaps as other guys, but
21:40 not everybody has the same role.
21:42 Everybody has the same status on the team, but
21:44 not everybody has the same role.
21:45 So whatever role you have, man, maximize those opportunities.
21:48 Do your part, live your life with no regret, be ready, be prepared.
21:53 And that's what Tawi always is.
21:54 He's an amazing example, humble, doesn't say anything.
21:57 Literally doesn't say anything.
22:00 And but he shows up and he plays with toughness.
22:03 He fuels guys with how he plays.
22:05 Guys feed off of that.
22:07 He's a very physical player, hard to knock off his feet.
22:10 And just a great model of consistency and he's thankful for his opportunity.
22:15 >> We have time for a few more.
22:17 We'll start second row on the right.
22:19 Dylan, I think I saw in the post game TV interview that you said that Baker called
22:23 you last night.
22:24 What was that conversation like and
22:26 what did that mean to hear from him before the game?
22:28 >> It was good, man.
22:28 He's just a really good dude, someone I admire a bunch.
22:33 Just obviously playing here, but man, for a long time.
22:36 He's a stud, love the way he plays and just love what he's all about.
22:40 So really super cool to just have that access and
22:47 that be something from guys who've played here.
22:50 They love this place and I love that about OU.
22:54 >> So last two, second row near the middle.
22:57 >> Brent, I think at midfield, maybe a minute after this game was done,
23:01 you handed Danny a trophy.
23:03 You hugged Drake and you had Isaiah Coe behind you waving a big flag.
23:06 If last year was an embarrassment,
23:09 what would be the word that you'd use to describe that moment?
23:11 >> Just how incredibly proud you are of so
23:17 many people, players, that their commitment, their work.
23:22 It was just really, really thankful for them and happy for them in that moment.
23:30 They get a chance to get their pride back,
23:33 because that was a tough moment a year ago.
23:36 And so really happy for them that they could have a moment like that,
23:40 because they deserve it, they'd work for it.
23:42 And it's just a moment.
23:44 And you celebrate hard, don't celebrate long.
23:47 And we gotta get back to work, but
23:49 really just proud of all the people that have been a part of that.
23:52 >> All right, thank you, coach and players.
23:55 OU players will be available right outside the door, Sarah, as well.