NORMAN, OK — Brent Venables kept pointing to the ground. He wanted his players to put him down.

His Oklahoma Sooners had other ideas. They wanted their coach up on their shoulders, uplifted after a 24-13 takedown of Michigan.

And, so, although Venables felt a bit embarrassed that his players hoisted him aloft after a Week 2 victory, what could the Oklahoma coach do, but let the players enjoy their moment?

"I’m not apologizing for celebrating with the guys," Venables said. "They need to celebrate."

Even if Venables might have preferred to celebrate with his feet planted on the ground.

"I don’t think Coach V. liked that very much," Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak said, as he chuckled, "but, it was cool to see that. It’s an incredible win for him, an incredible win for the program."

It probably says something about just how poorly last season went for blue-blooded Oklahoma that Venables’ players lifted him onto their shoulders after a win against the nation’s 13th-ranked team, an opponent that finished 8-5 last year.

Venables faced make-or-break pressure in this Year 4. The Sooners’ victory and celebration created a scene of a team rallying around its coach.

"There is an element of celebration to it, but I think that was more emblematic of how much they love playing for their coach," Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione told USA TODAY Sports. "He has built a great culture here."

It’s time for that to show in the results column. This victory marks a start.