5 Reasons the Oklahoma Sooners Have the Best Defense in the Nation

After a monstrous 55-17 thrashing of Texas, Oklahoma improves to 5-0 this week in college football. Yes, the offense is phenomenal. This year's Red River rivalry was supposed to be close, but Oklahoma is determined to pave its way for the national championship run. 

However, perhaps the defense that should also be commended, ranked 14th in the country and allowing a paltry 15.3 points per game. 

Click "Begin Slideshow" to find out why the Sooners have the best defense in the nation. 

Linebacker Travis Lewis

Linebacker Travis Lewis is clearly the leader of the Sooners defense. In 2010, Lewis recorded 109 tackles and three interceptions. This season, he has 25 tackles and one forced fumble.

Lewis is a leader, simply put. Recovering from a broken foot, he played against Florida State and managed eight tackles. He motivates and inspires his teammates. 

In addition, Lewis uses his leadership role to assign members of the defense to wear Austin Box's No. 12 jersey. Box, who died last spring, was a fellow linebacker and Lewis' good friend. Against Texas, Lewis donned the jersey himself.

DE Ronnell Lewis

No, defensive end Ronnell Lewis and linebacker Travis Lewis are not brothers. Ronnell is an Oklahoma native, while Travis hails from Texas. 

Ronnell Lewis is starting to really make a name for himself this season. Last year, he started to emerge as a leader for the Sooner defense, recording 38 tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown. This year, Lewis already has 27 tackles going into Week Five.

Lewis is someone to have your eye on all season; he is making strides and continues to impress. And let's face it--two Lewises are always better than one.

DB Jamell Fleming

Jamell Fleming is the anchor of the secondary. Having 71 tackles and five interceptions last year, he is a force to be reckoned with. He plays hard. He never gives up. He sees the play through until the very end. 

Fleming missed spring practices due to academic issues, and many people thought he would be done. But Fleming is back, and his presence is felt. He already has 13 tackles for the season.

DB Deomtre Hurst

Junior cornerback Demontre Hurst was every opponent's nightmare last year. Hurst had three forced fumbles and a 49 yard interception in 2010. He has recorded yet another forced fumble this season.

In this week's Red River Rivalry, Hurst intercepted the ball at the Oklahoma 45 and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown.

Hurst and Fleming are dangerous in the secondary. Their experience helps the younger players, and Hurst provides those fresh faces with some much-needed wisdom. Both players are a lethal combination. 

Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables knows what's he doing.

Venables has made the Sooners one of the top defenses in the country, ranked seventh in 2009. He constantly produces Butkus award winners and Big 12 Defensive Players of the Year. In 2010, the Sooners were No. 7 in the turnover margin.

Coach Venables has made the Sooners a hard-headed defense that only allows 15 points per game, including holding #11 ranked Texas to only 17 points during Saturday's game.