Oklahoma’s 34-30 victory over Texas in the Red River Rivalry was a defining moment for the Sooners under second-year coach Brent Venables. It initially appeared that two of the team’s best defenders – linebackers Danny Stutsman and Jaren Kanak – had matching “Horns Down” tattoos on their right thighs to commemorate the win, but Stutsman told reporters later on Monday that the tattoos posted on social media were fake.
Stutsman and Kanak made their presence felt as Oklahoma beat Texas for the fourth time in the last five meetings. Kanak had a team-best 13 tackles, including a sack, while Stutsman was tied for third with nine tackles. You can also add a successful prank to their seasonal resumes. The images that made the rounds on Monday can be seen below.
Stutsman posted another picture of his thigh — no tattoo visible — on social media Monday night, telling everyone else that they had indeed been duped.
Despite allowing more than 500 total yards, Oklahoma’s defense was able to make plays in crucial moments. It forced three turnovers, including two interceptions, and had a brilliant goal-line stand in the second half. The Longhorns played four downs inside the Sooners’ 2-yard line but failed to put the ball into the end zone.
While Saturday marked the final regular-season meeting between the rivals as Big 12 members before they join the SEC in the summer of 2024, it’s possible they could meet again in the conference championship game in 2023 at nearby AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Sooners and Longhorns leave Week 6 as the Big 12’s top two teams in the AP Rankings, coming in at No. 5 and No. 9, respectively.