Oklahoma Sooners Celebrate Red River Rivalry Victory with a Prank
Oklahoma’s thrilling 34-30 victory over Texas in the Red River Rivalry left a lasting impression not only on the fans but also on the team. The win marked a significant moment for the Sooners under second-year coach Brent Venables, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Two standout defenders, linebackers Danny Stutsman and Jaren Kanak, seemingly commemorated the victory in a unique way. Images surfaced on social media showing matching “Horns Down” tattoos on their right thighs, a direct jab at their fierce rivals. However, an unexpected twist unfolded as Stutsman clarified that the tattoos were merely a prank.
Stutsman and Kanak made their presence felt throughout the game, playing crucial roles in Oklahoma’s triumph. Kanak led the team with an impressive 13 tackles, including a sack, while Stutsman contributed significantly with nine tackles. Their performance on the field, coupled with the prank, solidified their impact on the Sooners’ season.
The images of the supposed tattoos quickly circulated among excited fans, fueling the rivalry’s fire. However, Stutsman took to social media again Monday night, posting a picture of his thigh, this time without any tattoo. The linebacker confirmed that the initial pictures were indeed part of an elaborate prank, leaving fans amused and impressed by his sense of humor.
Although Oklahoma’s defense allowed over 500 total yards, they displayed resilience when it mattered most. The unit forced three turnovers, including two interceptions, and showcased an exceptional goal-line stand in the second half. Despite the Longhorns’ efforts, they were unable to penetrate the end zone during a critical four-down sequence inside the Sooners’ 2-yard line.
With this victory, the Sooners and Longhorns bid farewell to their regular-season meetings as members of the Big 12 Conference. Both teams are set to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the summer of 2024. However, there remains a possibility of a rematch in the 2023 conference championship game, which will be hosted at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Following their impressive performances in the Red River Rivalry, the Sooners and Longhorns find themselves as the two highest-ranked teams in the Big 12. In the latest AP rankings, Oklahoma holds the 5th spot, while Texas sits at 9th. The exciting display of talent and rivalry only adds to the anticipation of their future matchups in the SEC.
As the Big 12 bids farewell to one of its most storied rivalries, the Sooners’ victory and the prank played by Stutsman and Kanak will forever be remembered as highlights of this year’s Red River Rivalry.