Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Oklahoma was expected to have one of the nation's top defenses and the Sooners have played up to expectations after their first three games.
The Sooners lead the nation in scoring defense and rushing defense, and are fifth in total defense.
Despite those strong, consistent performances, Texas has trumped the Sooners with a unique honor that has never happened in the history of the Big 12.
During the past three weeks, three different Longhorn players have earned honors as the Big 12's defensive player of the week.
Safety Earl Thomas was honored after his two first-half interceptions against UTEP last week.
Linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy earned the honor after the Longhorns' victory over Texas Tech and defensive tackle Lamarr Houston was chosen after the Longhorns' victory over Wyoming.
The Longhorns' defense doesn't match the Sooners statistically, but it has beaten them so far in terms of individual honors.