Ryan Grubb issues warning to Brett Venables as Alabama looks to keep Oklahoma defense off-balance

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Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb made it clear he doesn’t think the Oklahoma Sooners are cheating, but he’s quite aware of the special talent they have at deciphering sideline signals. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has his defense humming, and it’s a major issue for an Alabama run game that can’t find consistency. This weekend, the Tide will take on its biggest remaining test of the regular season.

Grubb unveiled a plan to combat Venables’ best trick: elite film study. Grubb issued a pointed warning to Venables on Monday, making it clear that Alabama will be adjusting its approach.

Alabama enters the contest tied with No. 3 Texas A&M atop the SEC standings at 6-0 in conference play. The Sooners, meanwhile, sit at 3-2 in the league but boast a 7-2 overall record. For Oklahoma, pulling off a win against the Crimson Tide is critical to keeping its CFP hopes alive.

Alabama to change its offensive audible signs to combat Oklahoma

“They’re good at that, No. 1. And No. 2, we’re changing everything,” Grubb said Monday. “So if coach Venables is listening, just know they’re all changing. They do everything within the parameters of the game, though. There’s nothing illegal about what they do. They’re good at what they do, so you certainly have to take that into consideration.”

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Signal stealing has been a hot topic this season, and Alabama is taking no chances. Last year, the Tide struggled offensively in Norman, falling 24-3 to the Sooners in a stunning upset.

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin hinted at Oklahoma’s reputation for decoding signals ahead of the Rebels’ Oct. 25 clash with the Sooners.

“One, it’s phenomenal prep — a film study of signals,” Kiffin said. “They do a great job of that. If you study people really well, you have enough confidence as a coach to go after those. That seems what (Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables) does, and they’ve got a really good beat on the plays that are coming when they’re called, and they do a great job of going and taking those away.”

Kiffin even pointed to Oklahoma’s defensive reads against Auburn as evidence of their preparation.

“Look at the Auburn game. I told (former Auburn head coach) Hugh (Freeze) after the game, watching it, he might want to switch his signals. Like, it looks like they have the plays. The middle safety’s running down to steal slants—which is very abnormal.”

Despite the chatter, Ole Miss managed to edge Oklahoma 34-26 in Norman. Now, Alabama will look to avoid a similar fate by keeping its signals under wraps and its playoff hopes intact.

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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