Five Takeaways From the Oklahoma Football Victory Over Tulsa
By Sixto Ortiz
Sep 12, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) rushes against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Oklahoma won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Baker Mayfield Is an Absolute Gamer
Baker Mayfield’s resilience during last week’s Tennessee game proved the gutsy quarterback has no quit in him as he battled through and ultimately propelled the Sooners to an improbable victory. Against Tulsa, Mayfield was red hot from the opening series all the way to the end and rewarded the Sooners with a performance for the ages: 32 for 38 passing for 487 yards, four touchdowns and an eye-popping 84 percent completion percentage. As if his performance through the air wasn’t enough, Mayfield also added 85 yards on the ground and two rushing TDs.
There should be no remaining doubt that Mayfield is the perfect triggerman to run Lincoln Riley’s Air Raid offense to perfection. Even when protection broke down, Mayfield kept plays alive with his feet. The exclamation mark for Mayfield’s Tarkentonesque elusiveness came when he avoided a sack and found freshman tight end Mark Andrews for a five-yard score. His ability to quickly improvise will serve the Sooners well as they enter conference play.
The only concern with Mayfield’s performance? Health: Mayfield runs with abandon and has no fear, but needs to learn to avoid contact and either slide or run to the sideline out of harm’s way. The Sooners cannot, under any circumstances, afford to have Mayfield sidelined with an injury for any length of time.
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