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Oklahoma D excited for challenge of facing Greg Ward Jr., J.T. Barrett

NORMAN, Okla. -- The last time out facing an elite quarterback, the Oklahoma Sooners defense did not fare well.

After a slow start to last year’s Capital One Orange Bowl, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson exploded in the second quarter and finished the game throwing for 187 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another 145 yards and a score. Early in the fourth quarter, the Tigers had already put Oklahoma away, leaving a Sooners defense that had shined all season in shock.

“He pretty much opened our eyes,” Oklahoma nickelback Will Johnson said.