Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Preview: Sooners Defensive Players to Watch
Going into this new season, Oklahoma’s offense might not be its strongest attribute, but Texas will have to bring its best game to face the Sooner defense.
Five games in, the Sooner defense has allowed just 70 points, keeping the record 4-1. The most points conceded in a game have been the 25 scored by Tennessee in the single loss of the season so far.
There is no doubt Oklahoma will be going for its best game as it faces some of the best offensive players in the nation from the Texas offense.
They were top players in the Big 12, and should now be elite in the SEC. Here are three players to look out for in the Sooner defense.
1. LB Danny Stutsman
This senior from Florida collected accolades in his junior year. Named a third-team AP All-American and a first-team All-Big 12 selection.
Against Texas in the 2023 edition of the Red River Showdown, Stutsman recorded nine tackles, having a record of 17 against SMU in early September. He was the Sooners’ leader in tackles at the end of the season with 51 solo, 53 assisted and 104 total.
He started all 12 games he played and earned the title of Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 11 following the SMU matchup.
Stutsman, who leads the Sooners in tackles this season with 37, is quite confident heading into the matchup.
“I’m certain of two (expletive) things in life!” Stutsman said. "One, I’m certain that Oklahoma only fears God! And number two, Texas fears Oklahoma!”
2. DB Billy Bowman Jr.
Senior defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. is no stranger to the field. He started 29 of his 35 career games since joining the Sooners in 2021.
As a junior, Bowman Jr. led his team in interceptions, earning a spot in the CBS Sports/247 Sports All-American first team. He didn't only lead Oklahoma in interceptions, but his six placed him second nationally, as well as leading the country with three interception returns for a touchdown and with 238 interception return yards.
After a solid performance at BYU, Bowman Jr. was named Thorpe Award National DB of the Week for his 100-yard interception for a touchdown and nine tackles.
Since Oklahoma's SEC debut against Tennessee, Bowman has recorded 20 tackles, 17 solo and three assists, as well as one interception. Though the season didn't start as he hoped, Bowman would head to Dallas on a momentum following his season high in tackles against Auburn with eight, seven solo and one assist.
3. DL Ethan Downs
To complete the senior defensive trio, defensive linebacker Ethan Downs had his name on the second-team All-Big 12 list.
He started in all but one game in the 2023 season, getting playing time in all of them. Sacks led the Sooners in sacks with 4.5 in addition to 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and six quarterback hurries.
Downs reached his season high in tackles in the Cotton Bowl against Texas, registering three solos and a quarterback hurry.
Named a captain for the Sooner squad alongside Stustman for this year's Red River Rivalry game, Downs has experience in playing Texas, and while Downs doesn't lead Oklahoma in any defensive stats, only registering 10 tackles and one interception so far, the fire and leadership that comes with a game like this will very likely show up on Saturday.