• Zac Alley is in his first season as Oklahoma’s co-defensive coordinator (calls plays) and linebackers coach. Under his tutelage, the OU defense has made significant statistical improvements in several categories and is a top-10 national defense according to . • Oklahoma ranks 16th nationally in total defense (311.3 yards allowed per game), which is 63 spots higher than last season (79th; 389.4 ypg allowed) and the lowest season average for an OU defense since 2009. • OU is also tied for 23rd in scoring defense (20.2 ppg), 15th in rushing defense (105.5 ypg; ranked 44th last season [138.6 ypg]) and 48th in passing defense (205.8 ypg; ranked 112th last season [250.8 ypg]). • OU ranks in the top 10 nationally in several other defensive categories, including tackles for loss per game (5th; 8.1), opponent rushing touchdowns (T-5th; 8), yards allowed per rush (6th; 2.9) and interception touchdowns (T-10th; 2). They are also tied for 11th in sacks per game (3.0; averaged 1.8 last year), rank 14th in first downs allowed (183) and tied for 27th in red zone defense percentage (.774). • Oklahoma is tied for third nationally in fumble recoveries (11) and ranks 14th with 20 total takeaways through 11 games. • OU ranks sixth nationally by allowing just 30 rushes of 10 yards or more and is tied for eighth by allowing just six rushes of at least 20 yards. • OU has allowed only 22 touchdowns on its opponents’ 135 possessions (one every 6.1 possessions). The defense has forced 61 punts and recorded 18 takeaways, a safety and eight turnovers on downs. • Oklahoma has allowed a combined 22 points (just two offensive TDs) in its two wins over currently ranked opponents (won 34-19 vs. Tulane and 24-3 vs. Alabama). • OU’s 24-3 win over No. 7 Alabama on Nov. 23 marked the first time the Crimson Tide had been held without a touchdown since the 2011 season. It was also the first time OU held a top-10 opponent to three or fewer points since 2004. Alabama’s 234 yards were its fewest in a game since 2014. • OU’s defensive success this season has been a team effort. Nine different players have each registered at least one fumble recovery and seven different players have each logged at least one interception. • Alley’s linebackers have been responsible for 23.5 of OU’s 89 TLFs this season, as well as two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and seven QB hurries. • Senior linebacker Danny Stutsman, a Butkus Award semifinalist and midseason first-team All-American, ranks 22nd nationally and fourth in the SEC in total tackles (9.1 per game). • Junior defensive linemen Gracen Halton and R Mason Thomas entered the season with a combined 8.0 career TFLs and 1.5 sacks, but through 11 games this season have teamed for 15.5 TFLs and 12.0 sacks. • Junior safety Robert Spears-Jennings is tied for fourth nationally and first in the SEC with four forced fumbles (one off the lead) and has a team-high-tying two recoveries. His four forces are tied for the third most in school single-season history.
