Due to their juries, the Sooners’ head coach has decided to postpone their game against a crucial team.
LAWRENCE, Kansas — Danny Stutsman made every effort to persevere.
The junior linebacker returned to the field at the beginning of the third quarter of OU’s road game against Kansas on Saturday, having sustained an ankle injury in the last minute of the first half.
However, Stutsman only participated in one defensive play before limping off the field. He left for the remainder of the game this time.
The Sooners ultimately lost 38-33, so the loss of Stutsman was devastating. OU head coach Brent Venables had no update when questioned about Stutsman’s availability going forward.
“Sorrow for Danny,” Venables uttered. He’s a fantastic player, so I’m sure it has some influence. No justifications, though. We failed to execute the necessary actions to win the game.
Many people believe that Stutsman is the mainstay of OU’s defense.
More: OU football report card: Sooners’ defeat to Kansas yielded many poor grades
Injured in the first half of OU’s 38-33 loss to Kansas on Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas, linebacker Danny Stutsman was assisted.
With 70 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss going into Saturday, the third-year Sooner had the second-highest numbers in the Big 12 conference.
On October 17, Stutsman was also included in the list of 100 players who were added to the Lombardi Award midseason watch list. Every year, the award is given to the college football player who most closely reflects the principles of the late head coach Vince Lombardi.
Billy Bowman, a junior safety, described Stutsman’s absence as “tough.” However, I will say this about us: we now have depth. There are guys who are able to enter. Even though they may not be seasoned athletes, they are nevertheless receiving practice reps.
Among the players who filled in for Stutsman was Kip Lewis.
With 6:01 remaining in the second quarter, the redshirt freshman linebacker not only recovered a fumble on a kickoff but also finished with five tackles.
Ted Roof, the defensive coordinator, stated, “I thought Kip came in and did a nice job.” But he’s demonstrated that. It didn’t really surprise me. All of us are really confident in Kip.
Nevertheless, Stutsman’s background is priceless.
And with 55 seconds remaining in the game, Devin Neal of Kansas ran into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, leaving Stutsman’s leadership severely lacking.
Stutsman is “always so fast at getting the call and lining us up,” according to junior defensive end Ethan Downs. “Being an older man, he is familiar with Venables.” Every day, he studies with him. There’s always a gap when Danny is gone.
More: OU football drops its first game against Kansas since 1997 and additional Jayhawks victory statistics
