Kiffin: Oklahoma Deciphers Opponents' Signals

Ahead of Saturday’s top-15 matchup, Brent Venables — who faced Lane Kiffin in past Alabama/Clemson meetings — praised the Sooners’ defensive staff and their physical, detail-oriented preparation. Kiffin credited Oklahoma’s success to exceptional film study and the ability to decode opponents’ signals, saying he had warned Auburn after Oklahoma’s Sept. 20 win to consider changing signals. Venables accepted the backhanded compliment and pointed to his players’ preparation and technique; Oklahoma leads the nation in total defense (213 yards per game) and allows roughly 9.4 points per game. Kiffin is 50–19 at Ole Miss, which is 6–1 this season and remains a top-10, high-powered offense despite losing key 2024 weapons and a 43–35 road loss at Georgia. The game is being framed as an offense-versus-defense chess match, with both coaches emphasizing preparation, adjustments and the role of signals and play-calling.