After 10-Tackle Game, Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke Named Butkus Award Semifinalist
Recognition after strong performance
Heinecke’s semifinalist status was announced Wednesday. The fifth-year linebacker also recorded two sacks and forced a fumble in Oklahoma’s win over Mississippi State. He finished that game with 10 tackles and two tackles for loss, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He has made at least seven tackles in six of Oklahoma’s seven games this season.
A pivotal play against Mississippi State
Heinecke’s forced fumble stopped Mississippi State’s advance downfield. Defensive end Taylor Wein recovered the ball, and Oklahoma then put together a 16-play, 96-yard touchdown drive to take a 10-0 lead before halftime.
The Sooners pulled away in the second half and returned to .500 in SEC play. Safety Peyton Bowen, a Thorpe Award semifinalist, ranks second on the team with 36 tackles.
Award history and upcoming game
The Butkus Award finalists are scheduled to be announced Nov. 20, with the winner named Dec. 7. Heinecke is pursuing a place as the fourth Sooner to win the honor.
Key points
- Heinecke leads Oklahoma with 6.5 tackles for loss and has two sacks this season.
- His performance against Mississippi State included 10 tackles and a forced fumble.
- Heinecke has started all seven games and earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
- Oklahoma hosts South Carolina this weekend, while Butkus Award finalists are expected Nov. 20.