Why Ty Simpson won’t be a problem vs Oklahoma in CFP rematch

As the mastermind he is, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables already developed the formula to completely negate Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, and it's a hypothesis that was already tested and proven to be a conclusion in the first meeting.

After beating Alabama 23-21 just over a month ago in Tuscaloosa, the No. 8 Sooners on Friday night will host No. 9 Bama for a rematch in the first round of the College Football Playoff, but this time in Norman at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Brent Venables needs to indulge his blitz-heavy temptations in rematch with Alabama

The Sooners, despite getting dominated in total yardage, beat Bama in Round 1 thanks to three turnovers, including a pick-6 and fumble by Simpson. Experts have proclaimed for nearly three weeks that OU can't replicate that luck to beat the Crimson Tide again, but maybe it's actually designed intervention instead of divine.

As he's famous for, Venables used his aggressive blitz-heavy style to force Simpson into multiple mistakes and out of possible plays. The Sooners blitzed on a whopping 66.7% of Simpson's drop backs in the last meeting. When OU did blitz, Simpson averaged 7.0 yards a pass attempt, compared to 8.6 when the Sooners set back.

The Sooners could be even more agressive in Round 2 based on the results from the last game and with the return of star defensive end R Mason Thomas, who still leads the team with 6.5 sacks despite missing the last three games, including the win over Bama. Even without Thomas, the Sooners still sacked Simpson four times, including two by linebacker Kip Lewis. OU also logged four quarterback hurries, meaning Simpson was either sacked or pressured on 19% of his 42 pass attempts.

That pressure resulted in missed plays and mistakes, with three turnover-worthy plays coming from Simpson thanks to a blitz, according to Pro Football Focus. Simpson had zero turnover-worthy plays without a blitz coming.

And this isn't just an Oklahoma problem Simpson has against the blitz. His season numbers are significantly different between when he does and does not face a blitz. Venables just happens to be one of the most aggressive defensive play-callers in all of college football and is equipped with maybe the best defensive front in the country. There's also no doubt a sold-out Memorial Stadium under the lights will be almost as beneficial to Venables as his monster defensive line.

Venables on Friday night can be in his comfort zone to make Simpson the most uncomfortable.