Oklahoma football enters a new era in the SEC. There is a natural expectation for the Sooners defense to show improvement this year. And yet while the offense gets most of the attention from fans, the defense is poised to be a strength heading into the 2024 season.
Oklahoma Football looks to make an impact on defense
OU ranked No. 77 in the nation last year in total defense, yielding 389.4 yards per game. The Sooners gave up 5.41 yards per play, which ranked 52nd nationally. Brett Venables’ squad was middling against the run last year, too. They gave up just 138.6 yards per game, 42nd in the FBS. However, they were worse against the pass, allowing 250.8 yards per game, which ranked 109th.
Despite the poor yardage numbers, the Sooners defense reeled in 20 interceptions. That ranked No. 2 in the country for the 2023 season. Four interceptions were returned for touchdowns, which tied for most in FBS. OU was also 14th in the country in third-down defense, 43rd in red zone defense, and tied for 46th in points allowed, just 23.5 per game.
There was plenty of good — and lots that was better from Venables’ team in 2022.
The Sooners’ 6-7 record in Venables’ first year was a massive indicator of just how far he could bring this team along. Going 10-3 last year was a big step in the right direction. And the team’s position groups are full of playmakers at every level.
Bolstered Defensive Line
The defensive front got a significant upgrade with the addition of transfer Damonic Williams. Williams clogged the middle for TCU for two seasons, and will bring much-needed size and disruption to the Sooners’ defensive line. This addition alongside the returning talent for the Sooners should create a more formidable wall against opposing offenses.
Experienced Tackling Machine Returns
The Sooners boast a core of experienced tacklers, led by returning All-Big 12 linebacker Danny Stutsman.
Stutsman led the team with a whopping 104 tackles in 2023, providing a solid presence and setting the tone for the defense. Ten other top tacklers will join him, creating a unit with a nose for the ball and a proven track record of getting stops.
Ball-Hawking Secondary with Veteran Leadership
The secondary received a significant boost with the return of safety Billy Bowman Jr. Bowman, another All-Big 12 selection, tied for third in the nation with six interceptions last season.
• School record three Pick-6’s
• No. 2 in FBS with 6 INT’s
• Most INT return yards in CFB.Billy Bowman isn’t just having a great year, he’s having the best season by an OU defensive back in over a decade.
It’s shame he’s not at least a Thorpe Award semi-finalist. pic.twitter.com/LfwSZu3rDA
— Tyler McComas (@Tyler_McComas) November 25, 2023
Bowman’s leadership and experience will be crucial for a young secondary featuring the steady Woodi Washington at cornerback. Adding transfer Dez Malone from San Diego State provides further depth and competition. While consistency remains a question mark, the talent and leadership are there for the Sooners secondary to be a force.
OU enters 2024 with a veteran presence on defense
This year, Oklahoma brings back players who played 7,509 combined snaps last year. Of the 17 players who got at least 300 defensive snaps in 2023, 12 are back in 2024. That veteran presence will be huge for the Sooners defense.
With Stutsman, defensive lineman Da’Jon Terry, the aforementioned Williams, five-star David Stone, P.J. Adebawore manning the front seven for Oklahoma, opposing offenses will have their work cut out for them.
Meanwhile, Bowman, Gentry Williams and Washington in the secondary should cause passing offenses fits. Overall, this should be Venables’ best defense so far.
The Big 12 and the SEC are different beasts. Oklahoma’s defense showed improvement in 2023, but the football competition in the SEC is on another level. How will this unit adjust to facing offenses with elite quarterbacks and skill players every week? Will the experience and leadership of returning starters like Stutsman and Bowman be enough to guide the Sooners’ defense through the gauntlet of the SEC schedule?
With a veteran core, a ball-hawking secondary, and a bolstered defensive line, the Oklahoma defense has the potential to be a significant factor in the football team’s success in the challenging SEC conference.
