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Oklahoma Football: 3 bold predictions for 2023 version of Bedlam

By Erika Brown

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 19: Long snapper Matt Hembrough #53 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys snaps the ball for a field goal with protection from lineman Jake Springfield #61, lineman Caleb Etienne #76, and defensive end Kody Walterscheid #96 against the Oklahoma Sooners in the fourth quarter during Bedlam at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 19: Long snapper Matt Hembrough #53 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys snaps the ball for a field goal with protection from lineman Jake Springfield #61, lineman Caleb Etienne #76, and defensive end Kody Walterscheid #96 against the Oklahoma Sooners in the fourth quarter during Bedlam at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma defensive players celebrate a big play against UCF
Oct 21, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) react after a sack during the second half against the UCF Knights at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

1. It will be a bitter defenseive battle in the trenches

Both teams have a better defense than they are given credit for. Sure, it may not show up in the stat lines, but these defensive backs and linebackers have stood up and made some major plays this season.

The Oklahoma Sooners are led by junior linebacker Danny Stutsman. So far on the season, Stutsman has 73 total tackles, with two sacks a forced fumble and an interception. The defense is complimented by junior defensive back Billy Bowman Jr, who has three interceptions and a touchdown. The defense has only allowed 18.9 points per game this season, ranking them in the top 25 in the FBS.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys defense is led by sophomore Nick Martin, who is finally seeing significant snaps and playing time. He outranks Stutsman in total tackles, racking up 83, with five sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Freshman safety Cameron Epps had a record day against Kansas State, hauling in two interceptions and a touchdown.

If this game is anything like recent Bedlam games, both teams are in for a battle on both sides of the ball.

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