3 stars from Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
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3 stars from Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Aaron Gelvin, Sooners Wire·Sooners Wire
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2 min read
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TheOklahoma Soonersimproved to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the SEC on Saturday afternoon, beating theMississippi State Bulldogs23-15 on the road. It was a sloppy game with mistakes from both teams, and the Sooners certainly got a break with the early injury to MSU quarterback Kamario Taylor. Still, OU went on the road and got an SEC win, which is what they needed this week.
It was much the same story for Oklahoma inside Davis-Wade Stadium as it has been all year. The defense remained excellent for almost the entire afternoon, while mistakes and poor execution defined much of what happened on offense. Brent Venables beat the first member of his coaching tree, Jeff Lebby, to put OU just two wins away from a bowl game.
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It was another strong day for the Oklahoma defense, so it's no surprise that they swept the awards for this week's players of the game. Here are the three guys that stood out from OU's victory over Mississippi State.
1. Peyton Bowen, DB
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 24: Peyton Bowen #22 of the Oklahoma Sooners intercepts a pass intended for Anthony Evans III #3 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium on October 24, 2026 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Defensive back Peyton Bowen has played excellent football since about this point last season, and he did it again on Saturday. He had multiple strong open-field tackles, and he picked off backup quarterback Parker Puckett in what turned out to be a very important interception. He's the unquestioned leader in the secondary, and that group did their jobs against the Dawgs. Bowen did not finish the game after being injured on his takeaway, and OU absolutely needs him to be on the field moving forward.
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2. David Stone, DL
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Defensive lineman David Stone had a strong game, helping the OU front shut down most of what the Bulldogs wanted to do on offense. His growth from high-prized recruit to rotational player to starter to dominant force is a testament to the d-line development that goes on in Norman, and he was tied with Bowen for third on the team in tackles. Stone also had 1.5 sacks, which was also tied for the team lead.
3. Adepoju Adebawore, DL
Defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore also registered 1.5 sacks and was disruptive off the edge on Saturday. He's another player the Sooners have developed into a consistent contributor, and he's getting better with a much larger role this season. Moving forward, the Sooners will lean on Adebawore and the pass rush to help the defense keep leading the way.
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Trynae Washington (22) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) after a tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cheerleaders during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to hurdle over Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Jardin Gilbert (5) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) reacts after a turnover during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell (24) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talk after the game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Trynae Washington (22) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) after a tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cheerleaders during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to hurdle over Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Jardin Gilbert (5) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/20
How does ESPN predict Oklahoma's remaining schedule after win?
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/20
Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/20
Oklahoma vs. South Carolina: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/20
Brent Venables breaks down the challenges of developing team identity
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) reacts after a turnover during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/20
Brent Venables on how of Florida's QB dilemma creates a challenge
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell (24) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/20
3 stars from Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/20
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Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/20
Oklahoma Sooners Stock Up after Week 8 win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/20
4 players to watch for Oklahoma against South Carolina
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talk after the game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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