Midseason report: Oklahoma defense 
October, 16, 2012
10/16/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
It’s mid-October, so it’s the right time for a midseason progress report on the Oklahoma defense. It’s been an interesting ride for the Sooners, who have looked outstanding against Texas Tech and Texas but struggled to get key stops in OU’s lone loss to Kansas State.
Nonetheless it’s obvious how much OU’s defense has improved during Mike Stoops' return as defensive coordinator. The Sooners rank No. 14 nationally in total defense and No. 20 nationally in scoring defense. Here’s what we’ve learned about OU’s defense after five games:
Defensive MVP: Tony Jefferson. The junior has brought consistency and playmaking to the free safety spot this season. He leads OU with 37 tackles, including 25 solo. And, more importantly, he’s shown a measure of toughness while playing at less than 100 percent with a ankle injury suffered against Florida A&M. He’s been productive and has led by example.
Nonetheless it’s obvious how much OU’s defense has improved during Mike Stoops' return as defensive coordinator. The Sooners rank No. 14 nationally in total defense and No. 20 nationally in scoring defense. Here’s what we’ve learned about OU’s defense after five games:
Defensive MVP: Tony Jefferson. The junior has brought consistency and playmaking to the free safety spot this season. He leads OU with 37 tackles, including 25 solo. And, more importantly, he’s shown a measure of toughness while playing at less than 100 percent with a ankle injury suffered against Florida A&M. He’s been productive and has led by example.
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Jake Trotter
Jake Trotter joined ESPN.com in 2011 after four years with The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, covering OU and Big 12 football. He's a graduate of Washington and Lee (Va.) University and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
Brandon Chatmon
Brandon Chatmon joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending eight years with The Oklahoman, covering Oklahoma State University, high schools and recruiting. Chatmon lives in Norman, Okla. Email him at bchatmonespn@gmail.com.
Bob Przybylo
Bob Przybylo joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years with The Oklahoman, covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.