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Venables and Drinkwitz Renew Acquaintances, But Play-Calling Duties Lie Elsewhere
NORMAN, OK – When Oklahoma hosts Missouri this Saturday, the sideline matchup between Sooners head coach Brent Venables and Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz will be a reunion, but not a play-calling duel. While Venables has taken over defensive coordinator duties for the Sooners, Drinkwitz relinquished offensive play-calling responsibilities for Missouri after a disappointing 2022 season.
Under offensive coordinator Kirby Moore, Missouri’s offense has revitalized, contributing to a 28-8 record. However, the history between Venables and Drinkwitz stretches back to their tenures at Clemson and North Carolina State, respectively. From 2016-2018, Drinkwitz, then the Wolfpack’s offensive coordinator, faced Venables’ formidable Clemson defense each year.
Clemson won all three matchups, but Drinkwitz’s offenses often challenged the Tigers. The 2016 game was a nail-biter, with NC State tying the score multiple times before a missed field goal in the final seconds and an overtime interception sealed a Clemson victory. The following year, the Wolfpack outgained Clemson, but turnovers proved costly in a narrow Tigers win. In their final meeting, Venables’ defense dominated, forcing three turnovers in a decisive Clemson victory.
Despite not calling the plays, Drinkwitz’s influence remains on Missouri’s offense, which features the nation’s leading rusher, Ahmad Hardy, and standout receiver Kevin Coleman. Venables, meanwhile, has revitalized Oklahoma’s defense, instilling the aggressive mindset that was a hallmark of his time as Clemson’s defensive coordinator.
“I think he’s doing an outstanding job,” Drinkwitz said of Venables. “Obviously, him taking over the defensive side of the ball and calling the defense, you can tell his aggressive nature and style is on display.”
Kickoff for the Oklahoma-Missouri game is set for 11 a.m. Saturday.
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