Bob Stoops outlines where Oklahoma is better in 2023

After starting the 2023 season 3-0, Oklahoma has a chance to move to 4-0 with a road trip to Cincinnati on Saturday. This is where the season went sideways a year ago.

Oklahoma started coach Brent Venables‘ first season in charge 3-0, then lost three straight.

Former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops doesn’t envision that happening this season for several reasons, he said on Big Noon Kickoff on Saturday morning.

“Deeper defense. They play 10, 11, 12 guys on the defensive front,” Stoops said. “That’s making a difference. They’re coming up with more turnovers. They’ve been much more consistent defensively. And I think Dillon Gabriel, another year in the offense with all these receivers is making a difference as well.”

Gabriel has been excellent so far this season.

The former UCF quarterback transfer has already thrown for 905 yards and 11 touchdowns in three games, with just one interception. He’s also run for a touchdown.

The offense is clicking fully, something that wasn’t always the case a year ago.

And one of the players who is helping making everything sing is receiver Drake Stoops, Bob’s son. Drake has a team-high 14 catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns.

“Like any parent, you love watching your son have success,” Stoops said. “Enjoying what he’s doing, like you just want to see him enjoy the moment, enjoy the competition. That’s all I care about.”

Stoops, of course, still follows Oklahoma football closely. He has significant personal ties himself, having spent 18 seasons there as the head coach.

Under Stoops’ direction, Oklahoma won a national title and 10 Big 12 titles. Stoops was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year six times, while earning AP Coach of the Year honors in 2000, as Oklahoma won its national title. He was twice named the Walter Camp Coach of the Year.

“It’s more than just watching my son,” Stoops said. “I want to see OU succeed. It’s like my child as well.”