Junior defensive back Eli Bowen during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA — After a win in Knoxville, the Sooners had a bye week to prepare for what was waiting in Alabama. The celebration that erupted Saturday night in Bryant-Denny Stadium after the Sooners won 23-21 was the closest thing I have seen to the Texas Longhorns winning the Red River Rivalry in week 7. Through their celebration, the win visually meant more to each player.Â
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer and redshirt junior linebacker Kip Lewis after the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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OU football head coach Brent Venables after the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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This celebration was not earned easily. The No. 11 Oklahoma team only generated 212 yards despite the No. 4 Alabama team gaining 406 yards on Saban Field.Â
Sophomore running back Xavier Robinson during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Despite a lack luster offensive game, the Sooner defensive proved to be playoff hungry.
Sophomore defensive back Jayden Hardy during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Junior linebacker Sammy Omosigho during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Redshirt junior linebacker Kip Lewis during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Redshirt junior linebacker Kip Lewis during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Senior defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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A big part of this game was how redshirt junior linebacker Kip Lewis acted as the villain in the eyes of Alabama fans. When asked about his role in the game, he said he is a big fan of movies and is a “big villain guy.”Â
Redshirt junior linebacker Kip Lewis during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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In forcing three turnovers, the defense generated 17 points.
In Knoxville, I felt like I was never in the right spot to show the vital plays of the game. However, for sophomore defensive back Eli Bowen’s 87-yard interception in Tuscaloosa, I was right where I needed to be.Â
Sophomore defensive back Eli Bowen during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
Sophomore defensive back Eli Bowen during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
After sophomore defensive back Eli Bowen’s touchdown, redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer gave the classic stinking it up gesture, waving his hand in front of his nose.
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
Mateer managed to get his team 161 total yards with 138 passing yards in addition to a touchdown. While it definitely wasn’t graceful, it was one that got the lead for Oklahoma’s offense.
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
During the Sooners’ celebration, Mateer had a moment after stepping away from his ESPN post-game interview. He looked around at his teammates and coaches in Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium and repeated two words as he surveyed the silenced Alabama venue, OU one huge win closer to a potential playoff berth.
“Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit.”
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer after the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
During the celebration after the game, he kept repeating that it was OU head coach Brent Venables who was the reason for the Sooner win.
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer and OU football head coach Brent Venables after the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily
What you don’t see at home
Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer after the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. and Ashley Harroz during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Alabama Cheer during the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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OU football head coach Brent Venables and OU athletic director Joe Castiglione after the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Big A before the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle before the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
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Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer before the game against Alabama Nov. 15.
Annie Davenport/OU Daily