NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma's offense found a new voice on Saturday, and the result was a 23-7 victory over No. 25 Florida that moved the Sooners to 5-4 on the season. Jason Witten, the former NFL tight end who coached high school football in Texas last year, called plays for the first time in his college career, and the Sooners responded with one of their most complete offensive performances of the year.
Head coach Brent Venables lauded Witten's debut as play-caller following the win, according to ESPN. The transition marks a significant shift for an Oklahoma program seeking consistency on offense, and the timing proved effective against a ranked SEC opponent.
Witten's path to the Sooners' play-calling duties is unconventional. After a decorated NFL career as a tight end, he spent last season coaching at the high school level in Texas before joining Oklahoma's staff. Saturday marked his first opportunity to direct a college offense in a game setting, and the Sooners delivered a balanced attack that kept Florida's defense off balance throughout.
The win carries added weight for Oklahoma's postseason aspirations. At 5-4, the Sooners remain in contention for bowl eligibility and demonstrated they can compete against ranked competition. Florida, ranked No. 25 entering the matchup, struggled to generate offense against an Oklahoma defense that complemented Witten's play-calling with timely stops.
Venables' endorsement of Witten's performance signals confidence in the new arrangement as Oklahoma enters the final stretch of its schedule. The Sooners' ability to sustain offensive momentum under Witten's direction will be a key factor in their remaining games.
For local fans in Norman and across Oklahoma, the victory offers renewed optimism about the program's direction. Witten's debut as play-caller produced immediate results, and the Sooners' 23-7 margin over a ranked Florida team provides a benchmark as the season progresses.
