# Oklahoma HC Brent Venables on Kentucky's SEC Strength

> Oklahoma coach Brent Venables says Kentucky can play with anyone in SEC after 5-1 start.
- Title: Oklahoma HC Brent Venables on Kentucky's SEC Strength
- Summary: Oklahoma coach Brent Venables says Kentucky can play with anyone in SEC after 5-1 start. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables believes Kentucky, ranked No. 15 in AP…
- Keywords: oklahoma, kentucky, brent venables, sec, ap top 25, college football, kentucky wildcats, oklahoma sooneers, sports, Brent, Venables, Kentucky's
- Source: Oklahoma Sooners On SI — https://si.com/college/oklahoma/football/why-oklahoma-hc-brent-venables-believes-kentucky-can-play-with-anyone-in-sec-01m5095a6twe
- Published: 2026-10-16T17:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: oklahoma, kentucky, brent venables, sec, ap top 25, college football, kentucky wildcats, oklahoma sooneers, sports
## Kentucky's strong start
Kentucky has a 5-1 record and ranks No. 15 in AP Top 25 after six games.
## Kentucky's conference wins
Kentucky has beaten LSU, Texas A&M and South Carolina with one loss to Alabama.
## Oklahoma's respect for Kentucky
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables says Kentucky plays as well as anybody in college football right now.

> They’re playing as well as anybody in college football right now
## Kentucky's offensive success
Kentucky averages 34.7 points and 414.2 yards per game with 5.1 yards per carry.
## Kentucky's star players
Running back CJ Baxter has 484 yards and eight touchdowns on 87 carries.
## Kentucky's quarterback
Kenny Minchey has completed 67.4 percent of passes for 1,394 yards and 11 touchdowns.
## Kentucky's offensive line
Kentucky's offensive line ranks fourth in SEC with 5.1 yards per carry.
## Kentucky's offensive line strength
Kentucky's offensive line is taller than 25 NFL lines and heavier than 26.
## Oklahoma's defense
Oklahoma ranks first in SEC passing defense with 150 yards allowed per game.
## Oklahoma's defensive challenge
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables says Kentucky's offense will be a big challenge for their defense.

> It’s going to be a big-time challenge for our guys
## Key takeaway

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables believes Kentucky, ranked No. 15 in AP Top 25, can compete with any SEC team after 5-1 record.