Brent Venables led Oklahoma to a disappointing 6-7 record in his first season as head coach. Given his background, the defense's performance was particularly underwhelming.

The Sooners allowed 30.0 points per game behind the former Clemson defensive coordinator. Bob Stoops believes they'll turn the page in 2023.

The former Oklahoma head coach told Brad McMullan (h/t 247Sports) that he's confident the unit will play better under Venables and defensive coordinator Ted Roof in Year Two.

"Brent and all these guys have a great defensive background," Stoops said. "They have another year to have recruited to their system and what they want guys to look like and play like. I trust them. I trust Brent and all these guys, Ted Roof and what they are doing.

They will have the right guys and right pieces. I don't question or doubt at all that they will be much improved defensively."

Oklahoma dropped four of its final five games, each by three points. Stoops is optimistic the Sooners can reverse those close calls with some minor improvements.

"If they can get one or two more stops per game and the offense picks it up a little bit more than what they have done — either way, you really have a chance to be on the other side [of the outcome]. And I think they will do that."

The Sooners ranked No. 6 after a 3-0 start, but things quickly went south for Venables and Co. The program hadn't suffered a losing season since 1998, the year before Stoops began his 18-season tenure with the school.

Stoops sees last year as a temporary setback for Venables