As the countdown to Oklahoma’s 2026 season reaches 87 days, we’re doing something a little different.
Instead of honoring a legendary jersey number, Day 87 belongs to two unforgettable moments from the Sooners’ remarkable 2025 campaign. Both plays covered exactly 87 yards. Both came during critical SEC matchups. And both helped Oklahoma punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff.
Now the question becomes simple:
Which 87-yard play do Sooner fans remember most?
Option A: Eli Bowen’s Pick-Six in Tuscaloosa
The setting couldn’t have been bigger.
No. 11 Oklahoma entered Bryant-Denny Stadium as a heavy underdog against fourth-ranked Alabama. Brent Venables’ defense knew it would have to make a statement against one of college football’s traditional powers.
Early in the first quarter, the Sooners held a narrow 3-0 lead when Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson had the Tide offense on the move.
Then, cornerback Eli Bowen delivered one of the biggest defensive plays of the entire season.
Oklahoma disguised its coverage beautifully. Bowen read Simpson’s eyes perfectly, broke on the throw, and intercepted the pass in stride.
From there, it was a sprint.
With teammates providing key blocks, Bowen raced 87 yards down the sideline for a touchdown that silenced Bryant-Denny Stadium and sent the Sooners’ sideline into celebration.
Suddenly, Oklahoma owned a 10-0 lead.
But the impact went far beyond the scoreboard.
Bowen’s return proved to be the turning point in a thrilling 23-21 victory that snapped Alabama’s 17-game home winning streak. It also announced the arrival of one of the brightest young stars in the SEC.
The freshman defensive back earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors and was recognized nationally by the Jim Thorpe Award committee after his spectacular performance.
The 87-yard return also finished as Oklahoma’s longest return play of the season and one of the longest interception returns in program history.
Option B: Mateer and Sategna Strike Against Missouri
One week later, the Sooners faced another massive challenge.
Fresh off the emotional win in Tuscaloosa, eighth-ranked Oklahoma returned home to face No. 23 Missouri. A victory was essential to keeping the Sooners in the thick of the College Football Playoff race.
But the Tigers’ defense was making life difficult.
In the second quarter, the offense desperately needed a spark.
Quarterback John Mateer, battling through a thumb injury that had lingered during the season, faced heavy pressure as Missouri collapsed the pocket.
Instead of taking a sack, Mateer escaped.
Keeping his eyes downfield, he found speedster Isaiah Sategna streaking free behind the secondary.
Mateer unleashed a perfect deep ball.
Sategna gathered it in and put his track speed on display.
Eighty-seven yards later, Owen Field erupted.
The touchdown became Oklahoma’s longest offensive play of the entire 2025 season.
More importantly, it provided the jolt the Sooners needed in a physical defensive battle. Oklahoma went on to defeat Missouri 17-6, a victory that ultimately helped secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
For Sategna, it showcased the explosive speed that made him one of the most dangerous weapons on the roster. For Mateer, it highlighted his toughness and ability to create when plays broke down.
Different Plays. Same Result.
One was defense.
One was offense.
One came on the road against Alabama.
One came at home against Missouri.
But both 87-yard plays shared something in common.
They changed games.
And in many ways, they helped change the trajectory of Oklahoma’s entire 2025 season.
As the countdown reaches 87 days until kickoff, perhaps that’s fitting.
Championship seasons are rarely defined by just one moment.
Sometimes they’re built on several.
And two of the biggest moments from Oklahoma’s playoff run just happened to travel exactly 87 yards.
87 Days Until Kickoff
Sooner Nation, it’s your turn.
Which play gets your vote?
A — Eli Bowen’s 87-yard pick-six against Alabama.
B — John Mateer’s 87-yard touchdown strike to Isaiah Sategna against Missouri.
Drop your answer and let the debate begin.
Boomer Sooner.