OU Football: Five Takeaways From Sooner’s Victory Over Tennessee

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Sep 12, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Samaje Perine (32) during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Oklahoma won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield Has Moxie To Spare

Statistically speaking, Baker Mayfield’s stats were nothing to brag about: 19 for 39 passing for a completion percentage under fifty percent, 187 yards passing (and a paltry 4.8 yards per attempt), three TDs and two interceptions. As the game wore on and OU couldn’t find the end zone, many in Sooner Nation wondered if the time was right for Trevor Knight to have a go at the Vols. But the coaching staff stuck with Mayfield, and he rewarded their trust.

The best QBs have short memories: they quickly forget about setbacks and focus on the next play. Mayfield started the game in disastrous fashion (8-25, 84 yards and two interceptions through three quarters) but finished in a flurry: During the fourth quarter and the two overtime periods, he was 11-14 for 103 yards and three TDs. Even though Mayfield spent much of the game running for his life as OU’s young offensive linemen were unable to provide much in the way of protection, he continued to attack, extending plays with his feet and eventually finding receivers. This kid has tons of moxie, unrelenting confidence and a motor that doesn’t stop.

 

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