Photo via CBS Sports

Anxiety Rankings, Week 6: Brent Venables under pressure, USC and Penn State both need to get back on track

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables faces his most critical test of the season this week, with a potential showdown against Texas carrying far more than just conference bragging rights. A victory would not only snap a three-game losing streak to the Longhorns—the first such stretch since the late 1990s—but also restore momentum after a humiliating 41-13 defeat to Georgia.

With the Sooners currently at 2-3 overall and 0-2 in SEC play, a win would push them to 3-2 on the year and 1-1 in the league, offering a lifeline to playoff hopes. Conversely, another loss would deepen the crisis, dropping Oklahoma to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the SEC, while further eroding confidence ahead of four more ranked opponents on the schedule.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, as Venables’ tenure has already seen four losses in five meetings against Texas, a rivalry that looms larger than ever in this pivotal moment.

Up nextCollege Football· 5h ago

Final score predictions for Penn State's Week 6 game vs. USC