Sanchez Named Big 12 Defensive Player Of The Week

Sooner cornerback Zack Sanchez snared a game-winning interception against Tennessee and has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday.

Sanchez also recorded six tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry in OU's 31-24 come-from-behind double-overtime win at No. 23 Tennessee. The interception, the ninth of Sanchez's career, marked the final play of the game as OU rallied from a 17-0 first-half deficit and 14-point hole with less than nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Sanchez helped the Sooners' defense hold the Volunteers to just 125 passing yards (4.0 yards per attempt) and 254 total yards (3.3 yards per play). Tennessee managed just 93 total yards in the third and fourth quarters and the overtimes.

This marks the second time in his career that Sanchez has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. He also earned the distinction last year on Oct. 13 after he tied a career high with eight tackles and returned an interception for a 43-yard touchdown in a 31-26 win over Texas.

Sanchez's win last season also marked the last time an OU defender had won the award.

The Sooners enter Saturday's home game against Tulsa ranked No. 6 nationally in passing yards allowed per game and No. 10 in total defense.

Kickoff for OU-Tulsa is set for 11 a.m. CT.