About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Florida Gators on the road Saturday night, winning 23-7 in the third meeting between the two programs. OU is now 5-4 overall and 3-3 in the SEC in 2026.
Head coach Brent Venables and his team bounced back with a cathartic victory after last week's embarrassment and a week of change in Norman. Interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten took the reins of the offense after Venables fired former offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle on Monday . Five days later, Witten had an impressive debut in a hostile environment.
OU is now one win away from bowl eligibility for a 28th-straight year, with three more chances to get the job done. Unfortunately, that's all the Sooners are playing for at this point, but it's hard not to feel good for the guys in that locker room on Saturday night after everything that's happened this year.
Here are three takeaways from Oklahoma's 16-point win over UF.
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables talk before the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Witten called a really effective, complementary game in his first action as a collegiate coordinator. Yes, it came at a time when the Gators had no film on his attack and didn't know what to expect, but it was still impressive to see the Sooners have a plan and do things that made sense. That's the bar, apparently.
Now that everyone ( Ole Miss , Texas A&M, and Missouri included) will have tape on what the Sooners look like with Witten dialing it up, the real test comes over the next three weeks. Still, he was more than commendable, especially given the circumstances. If he keeps it up, Venables may have an even more interesting offensive coordinator decision on his hands than we thought. One game at a time, though.
Enjoy this week's performance, and the win. Witten deserves it.
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Duke Clark (20) rushes with the ball while Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) chase during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Oklahoma's defense had perhaps its worst performance of the SEC era last week, and they returned to form against the Gators. They allowed just one scoring drive, picked off a pass that thwarted another, and generally limited Florida 's entire attack. Aided by an offense that helped them instead of hurt them, it offered a glimpse of how good Venables' defense can be when they're not being asked to save the day each possession.
A Florida offense that has struggled in recent weeks but was on fire to start the season looked mostly powerless against a smothering Sooner onslaught. That's what Venables wants it to look like, and that's what it can look like when things on the other side of the ball are working for you, not against you.
Oklahoma Head Coach Brent Venables talks with Florida coaching staff during first half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 7, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun] OU's goals for the season went out the window before the month of November hit, but after the win, the Sooners still have an important three weeks in front of them, even if it isn't important in the way they would have wanted.
First, there's the obvious. A record of 8-4 or 7-5 looks a whole lot better than a record of 6-6 or 5-7. A bowl game isn't guaranteed right now, but the Florida win definitely helps that effort. If the Sooners can get to a bowl, a strong finish to the year would improve their bowl standing and destination come December. That's not what anyone in Norman wanted, but that's the reality.
In the bigger picture, a strong final month would mean a lot for Venables, who is back on the hot seat after the way the season went. No, he won't be fired after this year since he got a contract extension in August, but winning seven or eight games instead of five or six would, at the very least, help his case heading into next season.
The search for an offensive coordinator is on in Norman, and it sure looks like Witten is going to throw his hat into the ring for the job. The Sooners showing a pulse to close out a tumultuous season would make the job more attractive and make everyone feel a lot better, despite the year being one of failure. So the next three weeks are critical for both the present and the future of Oklahoma Football, and if this season has taught us anything, it's that there's no telling what will happen for the rest of the month.
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shake hands before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables talk before the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten walks on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Former Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops talks with Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stiff arms Florida Gators inside linebacker Ty Jackson (7) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) gestures with a Gator Chomp during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jacob Jordan (7) runs with the ball during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators jack linebacker Jayden Woods (0) looks at Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) intercepts a pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners mascot Boomer sits on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cornerback Ben Hanks III (12) tackles Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to catch a pass while Florida Gators star defensive back Kanye Clark (20) defends during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cheerleaders perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) gestures after a quarterback sack during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) tackle Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators dazzlers perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) gestures after making a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) makes a catch for a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) reaches for a first down while Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackles during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks on the field after the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shake hands before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shake hands before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables talk before the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 3 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten walks on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Former Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops talks with Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 5 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stiff arms Florida Gators inside linebacker Ty Jackson (7) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 6 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) gestures with a Gator Chomp during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 7 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jacob Jordan (7) runs with the ball during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 8 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators jack linebacker Jayden Woods (0) looks at Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 9 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) intercepts a pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 10 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 11 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners mascot Boomer sits on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 12 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cornerback Ben Hanks III (12) tackles Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 13 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to catch a pass while Florida Gators star defensive back Kanye Clark (20) defends during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 14 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cheerleaders perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 15 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) gestures after a quarterback sack during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 16 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) tackle Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 17 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators dazzlers perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 18 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) gestures after making a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 19 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) makes a catch for a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 20 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) reaches for a first down while Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackles during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 21 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks on the field after the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. 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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 3 takeaways from Oklahoma's 23-7 upset victory over No. 24 Florida
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