Oct 4, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Zack Sanchez (15) returns a blocked extra point for a two point conversion against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive MVP: Zack Sanchez
We put it to a vote, and the Stormin’ in Norman readers decided on none other than Mr. Zack Sanchez.
This was tough for me, but by a large margin in our poll, No. 15 was victorious in taking home the Stormie for Most Valuable Player on defense.
The numbers are definitely there for Sanchez. He tied TCU’s Chris Hackett for the most interceptions in the Big 12 with six picks.
He returned one interception for a touchdown and had 39 tackles in 2014. Sanchez was truly a ball magnet and a difference maker on defense.
Oklahoma’s secondary was beat a lot in 2014, but Sanchez was one area you could count on Big 12 quarterbacks to avoid often.
Sanchez had his down moments, but without him, who knows how much worse things could have got for this secondary at times. As usual in the Big 12, Oklahoma faced a plethora of elite quarterbacks and a few offensive schemes that hurt them in a few games.
At the end of the day, Sanchez emerged yet again as a reliable pass defender for Oklahoma, and he can hopefully provide OU with a big performance against Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl and in 2015.