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NORMAN — Around the end of the first quarter of Saturday night’s showdown with Alabama, OU’s defense gathered together.
Linebacker Danny Stutsman, unsurprisingly, stepped to the forefront.
“I’ve got $1,000 for the first turnover,” Stutsman implored.
Giving away money isn’t anything new. Stutsman gives a portion of his NIL earnings to the Sooners’ walk-ons.
It took a bit to collect, but in the opening minute of the second quarter, freshman cornerback Eli Bowen slipped in front of Crimson Tide freshman sensation Ryan Williams and got his hands on Jalen Milroe’s pass.
Bowen reached slightly behind him, tipped the ball up to himself and took off running.
The interception not only earned Bowman the money, but also became one of the signature plays of one of the most shocking victories in OU history — a 24-3 domination of No. 7 Alabama that not only gave the Sooners bowl eligibility but likely eliminated the Crimson Tide from the College Football Playoff.
More: OU football fans storm field after beating Alabama, bringing back memories of 2000
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) knocks the ball away from Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (3) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
“It’s definitely something you dream about,” Bowen said. “I froze for a second when I got it. I couldn’t believe that was the moment. That was crazy. Just a blessing.”
How the Sooners planned to slow down Williams was one of the mysteries of the game going in.
Bowen seemed like their one chance to contend with Williams one-on-one, but it figured to be a group effort.
But at 5-foot-9, Bowen could struggle with the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ou-football-freshman-db-eli-113132355.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2024-11-25 11:31:00
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