The Oklahoma Sooners pulled out a key road win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon. It was closer than it should have been because of several failed field goals and a missed opportunity in the end zone. However, the Bulldogs had an opportunity to take a lead in the second quarter with backup quarterback Billy Puckett making plays with his legs.

After Puckett scrambled for 17 yards to the Oklahoma six, he took the snap and attempted to power the ball into the end zone. That's when linebacker Owen Heinecke came in and knocked the ball out. Taylor Wein recovered it, and the Sooners took over.

The Oklahoma offense proceeded to go on a 14-play, 96-yard touchdown drive and never looked back.

ON Monday, Heinecke was named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week after a 10-tackle performance, including two tackles for loss and the forced fumble. Pro Football Focus credited Heinecke with a team-high seven stops and two pressures.

In 2026, Heinecke leads the Oklahoma Sooners with 54 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. He also has a pair of sacks and has been a leader for the Oklahoma defense.

For the Sooners to finish on a high note, Oklahoma will need more performances like this one from Heinecke and the rest of the defense, especially with some of the offenses Oklahoma has remaining on the schedule.