What Brent Venables said after OU’s 27-21 win over Auburn | sport

No. 21 Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1 SEC) defeated Auburn (2-3, 0-2 SEC) 27-21 on Saturday in Auburn.

Here’s what Brent Venables said about the Sooners’ win:

On Kip Lewis’ pick six in the fourth quarter

“What a damn piece. … I love watching him play. One of his best qualities is that he simply loves competing and he plays with so much joy and happiness. Even when you wear him out, he’s a happy guy. So it was a lot of fun to help these guys have some success.”

Michael Hawkins Jr.’s first career start

“That’s a pretty strong litmus test, isn’t it? …He went straight into the tiger’s den, if you will, and he was fearless. So not perfect, but he did a really good job and didn’t take a lot of sacks. … And what a ball. We’ve been waiting for an explosive game for years and finally got one.”

On the defensive performance

“I’m proud of our boys. They worked hard. You have invested a lot. They are incredibly deeply involved, not so much in themselves, but more in what Oklahoma stands for on defense.”

“They showed a lot more than not in the first five games.”

About punishments

“Today we were number one in the conference in penalty kicks. … We have to get better. We need to be more physically active. We can’t wait for them to decide where they will be. We have to come out, we have to get people on strike. Then maybe we won’t get a stopping penalty there. You are defined by what you overcome, not what you become.”

About the performance of R Mason Thomas

“Very instinctive, explosive exit. From a time perspective of course. He played with a lot of confidence. He has a natural talent when it comes to playing short corners. But everything starts with a great start. That’s the case with every great pass rusher.”