No. 11 OU (7-2, 3-2 SEC) prepares to face off against No. 4 Alabama (8-1, 6-0) as redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Taylor Wein continues to blossom.
Wein has become a key piece of OU’s defensive front with consistency and pressure off the edge in head coach Brent Venables’ defensive scheme. He has recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception this season.
With a tough road test looming at Alabama this weekend, Wein is looking forward to stepping into another away environment. OU is undefeated in its two games it has played on the road during Southeastern Conference play. The Sooners defeated South Carolina 26-7 with Wein recording four tackles. They also defeated Tennessee 33-27 at Neyland Stadium, and Wein had two tackles.
“We’ve won two away games, … so [we’re] just used to that road dog mentality,” Wein said.
Wein and the Sooners will be matching up against Alabama junior quarterback Ty Simpson. Simpson has thrown for 2,461 yards and has led the Tide to a perfect record in the SEC. He also currently ranks No. 2 in Heisman Award standings.
“He’s really, really smart,” Wein said. “His decision making is really good, (and) … he gets out of pressure.”
Wein said that it will be up to the defense’s physicality to stop him. Through nine games, the Sooners rank No. 7 nationally and No. 1 in the SEC in total defense, allowing just 264.2 yards per game.
“We just got to show up and execute,” Wein said. “We got to be physical in the trenches.”
Wein and the defensive line will also line up across from Alabama junior offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, a potential first-round NFL pick. Proctor, a preseason All-American, stands at 6-foot-7, weighs 369 pounds and has started nine games this season.
Wein said he is embracing the challenge.
“I’m excited,” Wein said. “He’s going to bring it, and I’m going to bring it. So it’ll be a good matchup.”
The Sooners’ away game against Alabama comes before returning to Norman for their final two games against Missouri (6-3, 2-3) and Louisiana State University (5-4, 2-4). OU currently sits as the first team out in the College Football Playoff rankings and looks to win out to improve its standing.
With a gauntlet of a schedule ahead, Wein feels confident in OU’s ability to win despite high stakes.
“This program is built on the foundation of winning,” Wein said.
OU will kick off against Alabama at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium on ABC.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
