Remember when Oklahoma’s special teams unit was a total liability? Like, bottom of the barrel bad? We’re talking No. 127 in efficiency just three seasons ago, back in 2023. Fast forward to last week, and that same unit just threw down a blocked punt for a touchdown that was absolutely critical in upsetting the No. 1 Texas Longhorns. That’s not just a big play, that’s a whole new ballgame for the Sooners, and it all comes back to one guy: Doug Deakin.
The Disaster Before Deakin and How Venables Found His Guy
Seriously, think about that 2023 ranking: No. 127. Head coach Brent Venables’ first couple of seasons in Norman were honestly plagued by special teams that just couldn’t get it together. In 2022, they were No. 72, which isn’t great, but then they fell off a cliff to No. 127 the very next year. That’s just brutal. So, Venables made an under-the-radar move that’s paid off HUGE: he hired Doug Deakin to take over special teams. Deakin had spent six seasons coaching at his alma mater, the San Diego Aztecs, before getting the call. Venables said they specifically “looked at who was doing well in college football.” Plus, their former special teams coordinator apparently gave a glowing “testify on behalf of Doug as a coach and character reference.” They checked out his “body of work,” and despite Deakin’s entire background being in California, Venables noted they “immediately hit it off.” Sometimes, that’s all it takes, right? Just clicking with the right guy.
From Laughingstock to Game-Changer: The Special Teams Revolution
The impact? Instant. In Deakin’s first season, Oklahoma’s special teams unit rocketed up to No. 41. That’s a massive jump! Then, last season, they got even better, cracking the top 10 at No. 10, and kicker Tate Sandell even won the Lou Groza Award. Are you kidding me? A Lou Groza winner from a unit that was No. 127 just two years prior! This season, they’ve dipped a bit to No. 38, but that’s still light years ahead of where they were. And the biggest proof of concept? That blocked punt for a touchdown against No. 1 Texas. That play was HUGE, swinging momentum and making a real difference in a game that felt like it could change the entire season. Whether it’s Sandell’s reliable kicking or those clutch blocked punts, special teams has gone from a weak spot to a legitimate weapon that can steal wins when the offense is having an off day.
The unit’s current No. 38 ranking shows there’s still room to climb, but the recent history? It’s a complete 180 from the disaster of 2023. This special teams turnaround under Deakin has become a critical part of Oklahoma’s overall success, giving them another way to win games when everything else is tight.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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