The Sooners defeat No. 24 Florida 23-7 on the road as interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten makes a strong first impression, highlighted by a game controlling fourth quarter possession.
The Oklahoma Sooners earned an important 23-7 road victory over the No. 24 Florida Gators on November 7 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, marking Jason Witten’s first game calling plays as interim offensive coordinator.
Following the departure of Ben Arbuckle, head coach Brent Venables handed Witten responsibility for directing the offense for the remainder of the season. The former Dallas Cowboys tight end, who joined Oklahoma’s coaching staff in January 2026, responded with a disciplined performance that helped the Sooners secure a much needed SEC victory.
Venables was particularly impressed with Witten’s approach, praising the team's execution and composure. Reflecting on Oklahoma’s decisive fourth quarter possession, the head coach described the drive as “a thing of beauty” and called it the best four quarters of football his team had played that season.
John Mateer Commands the Offensive Effort
Quarterback John Mateer played a central role in Oklahoma’s success, completing 21 of 33 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns while adding 56 rushing yards.
Mateer connected with tight end Hayden Hansen for a 3-yard touchdown in the second quarter, giving Oklahoma a 10-0 advantage. He later found Isaiah Sategna III for a 6-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter, capping the Sooners’ most important offensive possession of the game.
A Historic Fourth Quarter Push Secures the Win.
The defining moment of Witten’s debut came during an 89-yard, 20-play scoring drive that lasted 12 minutes and 45 seconds. Beginning late in the third quarter, Oklahoma converted five third downs and consistently kept Florida's defense on the field.
Sategna finished the possession with his touchdown reception, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 20-7 with 4:56 remaining. According to Oklahoma, it was the program’s longest drive in 54 years.
Defense Completes the Job
Oklahoma’s defense was equally important, limiting Florida to just 203 total yards, including 133 passing yards and 70 rushing yards. The Gators managed only 11 first downs and converted two of 11 third down attempts.
Courtland Guillory delivered a crucial play by intercepting Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. in the end zone, stopping a promising scoring opportunity. Kicker Tate Sandell added a 31-yard field goal to establish the final 23-7 score.
Oklahoma Turns Its Focus to Ole Miss
The victory improved Oklahoma to 5-4 overall and 3-3 in SEC play, providing a positive response following the offensive coaching change. While Witten’s first outing offered encouraging signs, the Sooners will need to maintain that level of execution in the weeks ahead.
Oklahoma now turns its attention to No. 10 Ole Miss, which visits Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 14.
Witten’s debut gave Venables reason to be encouraged, particularly with the offense demonstrating its ability to manage a critical late game situation. Combined with a strong defensive performance, Oklahoma’s victory offered a promising start to a new chapter in its offensive leadership.