The Oklahoma Sooners are fresh off a major upset of the then-No. 1 Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, held during the State Fair of Texas. The Sooners knocked off the Longhorns, 27-24.
Two Sooners are now being honored for their performances. Safety Peyton Bowen was named the SEC's Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. Bowen led the team with seven tackles. He also intercepted a pass and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown. That gave Oklahoma its first lead, 24-17. But Bowen wasn't the only player honored.
Kicker Tate Sandell was named the SEC's Special Teams Player of the Week. He went 2/3 on field goals and 3/3 on extra points. The one missed field goal was a 53-yard attempt. He made up for it by nailing a 53-yard field goal later in the game
and hit a 47-yard walk-off field goal to give the Sooners the win.
SEC Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week 🏆 | Week 06 » Bowen, Sandell
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 12, 2026
📝 https://t.co/wZCd1qHQwc pic.twitter.com/XpBo4Crc9B
The recognition is another boost for an Oklahoma team looking to build on its statement win and turn an uneven start into a successful season. Bowen's impact on defense and Sandell's composure in the biggest moments showed how the Sooners can win games through contributions across all three phases.
Oklahoma will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup, aiming to make the Texas upset a launching point rather than a one-week highlight. If Bowen and Sandell keep delivering game-changing plays, they could remain key pieces as the Sooners climb the SEC standings and strengthen their postseason hopes.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Pair of Sooners earn SEC honors after Oklahoma's upset win over Texas
