The Oklahoma Sooners might have the best safety in college football. Peyton Bowen has put together a fantastic season this year, totaling 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack, along with two interceptions this season.
He put together arguably his best performance of the season against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday. Bowen recorded seven tackles and one interception. He was constantly matched on Mississippi State star wide receiver Anthony Evans, who came into the game leading the SEC in receiving. However, Bowen did a great job limiting Evans to just 33 yards on six catches.
Head coach Brent Venables raved about Bowen's performance on Saturday.
"He had some fabulous tackles (Saturday) in space," Venables said. "Some one-on-ones.
What a fantastic interception that was in the zone coverage there in the end zone. He became the receiver, went up and got the ball... He's playing his best football."
Bowen left the game after his fourth-quarter interception. He took a hit on the return. The Bulldogs had one other drive after that interception, with Bowen off the field, and they ended it with a touchdown. Venables updated on Bowen's injury after the game.
"I think good," Venables said. "I haven't talked to the trainers or anybody. I know he didn't come back in right away, but I think he'll be fine."
Bowen's impact against Mississippi State showed why he has become such an important piece of Oklahoma's defense. His ability to make plays in coverage, tackle in space and disrupt opposing passing attacks gives the Sooners a versatile playmaker in the secondary. Limiting a receiver of Evans' caliber while coming away with an interception further highlighted Bowen's growth and his value in high-pressure situations.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Brent Venables gives injury update on star safety Peyton Bowen
