Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables was nearly at a loss for words after witnessing the pivotal moment that turned the tide of the game in their favor. The Sooners, now 4-1 on the season, find themselves in a position that belies the challenges they’ve faced. Let’s face it: with the offense struggling and injuries piling up, they should probably be sitting at 3-2 or worse. However, as the saying goes, a win is a win, and the Sooners have consistently found ways to secure victories, even if they haven’t been pretty.
This was evident in their recent matchup, where they desperately sought their first win in the SEC. The team delivered a magical fourth-quarter performance that showcased contributions from both the offense and defense. While we’ve often relied on the defense to carry the load in crunch time, this game proved that the offense can step up as well.
Quarterback Michael Hawkins delivered a perfect pass to J.J. Hester, and running back Javantae Barnes had some impressive runs, highlighted by Hawkins’ thrilling two-point conversion where he leaped into the air to secure the points.
Yet, it was the defense that ultimately made the defining play of the game: a pick-six by linebacker Kip Lewis. Venables could barely contain his excitement during the postgame press conference, leading with the enthusiastic remark, “What a freaking play.”
Lewis’ 63-yard interception return not only changed the momentum of the game but also marked the fourth-longest pick-six by a linebacker in Sooners history.
“I was just trying to get my breath back and finish the game,” Lewis said, reflecting on his moment of glory. “I knew that we still had to go back out there and finish it off.”
His performance throughout the game was stellar, but the fact that he delivered when it mattered most speaks volumes about his character and skill. It’s not often that a defensive-minded head coach like Venables, who has seen it all, is left with just a few words to describe a player’s impact.
Lewis etched his name into the memories of fans with a play they won’t soon forget, marking a significant milestone as it was the team’s first-ever SEC victory. His heroics not only helped secure the win but also established him as a player to watch in the coming games, promising a bright future for both him and the Sooners as they navigate their new conference challenges.
