Oklahoma Sooners-Alabama football

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Kip Lewis picks off the ball during the game against Alabama on Nov. 23.

 Bob Nguyen/OU Daily

After Oklahoma upset No. 7 Alabama, fans spilled out of the bleachers, ran down and covered the entirety of Owen Field.

There, fittingly, senior linebacker Danny Stutsman stood in the middle of it as fans jumped, danced and shouted.

The Sooners held their Senior Night celebration before kickoff, symbolizing the end of the journey for multiple defensive captains. Stutsman, along with defensive back Billy Bowman, defensive lineman Ethan Downs, and defensive back Woodi Washington were among the players honored on Saturday night.

The defensive seniors have left a legacy at OU, and have embodied Venables’ vision for what he wants his defense to look like, with promises of a “physical, punishing, relentless, suffocating defense,” as he stated in his first press conference as Oklahoma’s head coach.

In his first year, OU ranked 122nd nationally in total defense. In 2023, it moved up to 79th. This year, Oklahoma (6-5, 2-5 SEC) has boasted a top-25 defense and turned in its best showing of the season during a 24-3 win over Alabama (8-3, 4-3 SEC) on Saturday.

Despite the mass exodus that will seemingly occur after Stutsman and the rest of the seniors leave, freshman cornerback Eli Bowen has had a standout debut season for the and has shown players and fans that the unit will be in good hands.

Bowen recorded an interception early in the second half, spurring the defense and creating momentum that would continue throughout the game. His interception set up freshman running back Xavier Robinson's rushing touchdown, expanding the Sooners’ lead to 17-3.

“That’s definitely something you dream about,” Bowen said postgame. “I froze for a second after I got it, like I couldn’t even believe it. I was in the moment. It was crazy. Just a blessing.”

Venables emphasized the way Bowen has stepped up all season and improved the defense as a whole by developing quickly.

“(Eli)’s incredibly talented,” Venables said. “The moment is never too big for him. Just a great all-around teammate and has matured beyond his years, so if he continues to be those things, he’ll continue to have a great, great future.”

Against Alabama, the Sooners’ defense had their most dominant performance of the season. The game marked the first time Alabama did not score a touchdown in a game since 2011.

Stutsman has led the team with 100 total tackles this season, moving him into the number nine spot for most tackles in program history. Saturday, the linebacker recorded only four. However, he didn’t seem to mind as the whole defense stepped up and delivered.

“(The front seven) probably played their best game all year,” Stutsman said. “I just didn’t feel like many plays were coming to me because they were already stuffed. I think I had four tackles, and that doesn’t happen much. That just shows you how freaking dominant they were … I’m so proud of them.”

The leaders on defense seem poised to pass the torch. Young players commanded the field on defense. Where Stutsman stepped out, sophomore linebacker Kip Lewis stepped in.

Lewis isn’t shying away from leading the linebackers, despite the overwhelming leadership from his predecessor. Lewis recorded a pick-six in the middle of the third quarter, growing OU’s lead to 24-3.

“I ran my keys, did what I was supposed to do, and I was surprised that he threw it,” Lewis said. “I was like, ‘Well, if I’m standing right here.’ But you know, just finishing and making sure I get to the end zone after I caught it.”

Lewis ranks third in tackles on the team this season with 50. He has recorded two interceptions, both of which have been returned for a touchdown. He also recorded a game-winning pick-six against Auburn in September, which was OU’s first conference win of the season.

After Lewis’ interception, senior defensive back Woodi Washington was able to reel in a fourth-quarter interception to seal the game and put a stamp on his career at Oklahoma.

“It meant everything,” Washington said of the interception. “It’s kind of a long time coming. I didn’t really have any the last couple of years, kind of haven’t been getting the ball thrown to me as much. But when the time came, God prevailed, and I was able to do that.”

The defensive growth over the past few seasons has been evident and there’s certainly an expectation that it will continue under Venables and defensive coordinator Zac Alley.

Amidst questions about the offense and the looming offensive coordinator search, the Sooners made a statement on defense tonight. The seniors will leave notable holes, but the young core of the defense is ready for what is next.

“I talked about it earlier in front of the team. I said, ‘You can either create a legacy or you can cement it,’” Stutsman said. “Those young guys, they created their legacy. Those plays are going down in history.”

Oklahoma still has a long road ahead. It will be looking to improve quickly this offseason and show that it can compete in the SEC. Competitive matchups will continue to be unavoidable, including games against the Crimson Tide.

On Saturday, Bowen was tasked with covering Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams The defensive back held Williams to two catches for 37 yards.

Although it was the first meeting between the two standout freshmen, it is likely not the last.

“I mean, he’s a great receiver, all respect to him,” Bowen said. “But we’re gonna be battling for a long time to come, it seems like.”

This story was edited by Gracie Rawlings and Louis Raser. 

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