NORMAN — OU football coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle have spoken profusely about how winning isn’t always pretty.
Boy, were they right on Saturday. And it almost cost the Sooners a spot in the College Football Playoff.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite a lackluster offensive performance and a three-turnover performance by quarterback John Mateer, OU edged LSU 17-13 Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to conclude its regular season.
Fresh off a second 6-7 season in three years, and despite having one of the nation’s toughest schedules, Venables has led the Sooners to a 10-2 regular season record.
OU’s playoff hopes are likely still alive, but they didn’t do themselves any favors as far as style points go.
Mateer struggled mightily, completing 23 of his 38 passes for 318 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Sooners were 4 for 15 on third down and never ran a play from the red zone.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTime will tell if OU earns a home playoff game. It almost certainly clinched a spot in the 12-team field.
The Sooners did just enough yet again, no matter how ugly it was.
Here are four more takeaways from OU’s (10-2) win:
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Deion Burks, Isaiah Sategna III’s touchdowns were “right on time”
Through nearly three quarters, OU’s offense was pitiful.
The Sooners hadn’t reached the red zone. Mateer was fresh off tossing his third pick of the game. But, just when thoughts about OU’s chances of blowing its CFP chance were starting to creep into the minds of a hushed crowd, Deion Burks stepped up in a big way.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs coach Brent Venables often says, he was “right on time.”
Mateer found Burks to his right for a 45-yard, screen-pass touchdown to tie the game. The play was masterfully blocked and Burks — who finished with four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown — finally showed some burst after a mostly quiet season. Burks has now caught 50 passes for 513 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Then, with 4:16 remaining, Mateer connected with a wide-open Isaiah Sategna III for a 58-yard touchdown. Sategna finished with nine catches for 121 yards and a touchdown.
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AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSooners defense shows why it’s a playoff unit
While it was a day to forget for the OU offense, the Sooners’ defense showed why it’s a playoff-worthy unit.
OU held LSU to 198 total yards and 2 for 14 on third down.
Out of the Tigers’ 15 drives, nine ended in punts.
Linebackers Kendal Daniels and Owen Heinecke led the Sooners with seven tackles.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is brought down by Louisiana State Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks (40) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the LSU Tigers at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.OU turns to Jaydn Ott at running back … briefly
The Sooners’ running back situation was front and center throughout the week.
Would true freshman Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson continue carrying the load while injured? Would Jaydn Ott get a chance?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe former was mostly true as Blaylock and Robinson combined for all of OU’s running back carries with 17 for 41 yards. However, mysteriously, Jaydn Ott entered the game in the third quarter before exiting shortly afterward.
Ott hadn’t played since Oct. 18 in the Sooners’ win at South Carolina.
OU’s running backs room continues to be an enigma.
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Sooners honor Joe Castiglione in final regular season contest as athletic director
OU honored athletic director Joe Castiglione Saturday during the Sooners’ win over LSU, his final regular season contest in the role.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFirst, Castiglione smiled as he shot a RUF/NEK rifle. Then, the Pride of Oklahoma spelled out “Thank you Joe” during its halftime performance.
Castiglione, the longest-tenured AD among FBS schools, announced his plan to retire in July. Upon the naming of his successor, Castiglione will serve as athletic director emeritus.
Twenty-six of OU’s 45 all-time team national championships have been won during Castiglione’s tenure.
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football dodges LSU upset bid, likely secures playoff berth
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