Sign stealing? Why Alabama football is 'changing everything' vs. Oklahoma, Brent Venables

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Last month, while preparing to face OU football, Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin offered Auburn coach Hugh Freeze some advice.

"You might want to switch your signals," Kiffin told Freeze after watching the Sooners-Tigers game. "It looks like they have the plays. The middle safety is running down to steal slants, which is very abnormal."

Ahead of OU's top-15 matchup with Alabama, the Crimson Tide's coaches were asked Monday during their news conferences about the Sooners' ability to legally steal signs. OU ranks seventh nationally and leads the SEC in scoring and total defense entering the game.

Venables has a history of being accused of knowing teams' signs dating back to his time as Clemson's defensive coordinator.

“They’re good at that, No. 1. And No. 2, we’re changing everything," Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said. "So if coach Venables is listening, just know they’re all changing. They do everything within the parameters of the game. Nothing illegal about what they do, they’re good at what they do. Certainly have to take that into consideration.”

The Sooners rank fourth nationally in rushing defense, first in tackles for loss per game, No. 3 in sacks per game, touchdowns allowed and rushing scores allowed, No. 6 in opponent yards per play and No. 8 in passing touchdowns allowed and opponent third-down conversion percentage.

The Crimson Tide is fresh off an underwhelming 20-9 victory over LSU in which it rushed for only 2.2 yards per carry.

“Our staff does a pretty good job and certainly you’ve got to do your best to change things up," Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said.

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why OU football's defense has Alabama changing signs for SEC game

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