3 problematic OU players vs. Texas

Danny Stutsman, LB

The heart and soul of the Oklahoma defense is also one of their most experienced and proven players on that side of the ball, senior linebacker Danny Stutsman. The fourth-year linebacker and team-captain for Oklahoma's defense has led the team in tackles for the previous two seasons, and is on pace to do so again this year.

Stutsman currently leads Oklahoma with 40 combined tackles this season, including two tackles for loss.

The difference between what we've seen from Stutsman and the Oklahoma defense this fall compared to the past few years under Venables is the way that this entire linebacker unit has played this season. Oklahoma doesn't need to rely only on Stutsman to get the job done at the linebacker position.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Kip Lewis has elevated his play this season for the Sooners defense, ranking second among their inside backers in combined tackles and third on the team in defensive stops. Lewis had the vital game-winning interception returned for a touchdown for Oklahoma in their come-from-behind road win over Auburn a couple of weeks ago.

That said, Stutsman is still playing some of the best football in his decorated career for the past few years in Norman for the Sooners. He's been a vital part of Oklahoma's physical run defense, which ranks in the top five in the SEC in rushing yards against and yards per rush against.

Coming out of the bye week, Stutsman leads the Oklahoma defense in run stops and run stuffs (per PFF).

Stutsman remains the fast, physical, and smart Oklahoma linebacker who is able to shoot gaps quickly that his defensive line opens up for him to shut down opponent ground games and make plays in the opposing team's backfields.

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