The Oklahoma Sooners' defense has been a revelation this season, carrying the team to a 4-1 start and earning their comeback win over the Auburn Tigers. Several standout individual performances defined their game against Auburn and it might have revealed a long-term solution for the team at a key position.
Against Auburn, Oklahoma's corners repeatedly struggled in man coverage situations against the talents of Cam Coleman and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, giving up multiple big plays throughout the first half.
However, one bright spot flashed several times in their win over Auburn, and could be a long-term solution at the position: Eli Bowen.
Related: Brent Venables' defense lifts Oklahoma Sooners to miracle comeback win over Auburn Tigers
Bowen might be recognized most because of his brother, a former five-star recruit who also plays for the Sooners. However, he's a talented player in his own right who hasn't shied away from stepping up for the Sooners in the bright lights of SEC play.
Bowen's snap counts have gone up every game against Tennessee and Auburn after working back from injury, and it's clear why the staff spent the summer praising him despite him being just a true freshman.
Bowen has been targeted six times in his three games and allowed just two catches for 14 yards (5,9). While that lack of targets means he doesn't have any pass breakups or interceptions, it does point to him being effective at sealing a receiver when he plays.
Against Auburn, Bowen put enough on film I feel comfortable saying he should start for the Sooners. He looked in control, stayed in phase with his receivers, and made several heads-up plays, including a good tackle on Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter after working off of a blocker.
Bowen has drawn the praise of coaches and teammates for his work in the summer and across the 2024 season so far. After the Sooners' loss to Tennessee, Venables praised Bowen's tackle against the much bigger wide receiver Bru McCoy in the open field.
"They tried to throw the quick hitch in front of him like the little guy can't tackle. He was like a water moccasin on him, you know? Somebody else came in late, but he didn't need him."
Bowen plays controlled with good fundamentals and technique, but he has the athleticism and mindset to match it. Despite being just 5'9, 187 pounds, Bowen plays fearless and much bigger than his size.
I certainly understand the Sooners wanting to lean on their experienced corners in their secondary with Kani Walker and Dezjohn Malone. Still, it's reaching a point where Bowen's talent is undeniable. Let the youngster play.
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