NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma's rabid fanbase was overjoyed when Brent Venables was named head coach.

Sooners fans had kept track of the former Oklahoma defensive coordinator for years after he took that same position at Clemson and helped the Tigers win two national titles. So when Lincoln Riley abruptly left for Southern California following the 2021 regular season, Venables was the popular pick to step in.

The honeymoon ended as the Sooners struggled to a 6-7 finish last year, including a 35-32 loss to Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl.

Expectations are down a bit for Oklahoma in its...