Oklahoma Football: Sooners Show Adaptability in Outlasting Cyclones

Oct 15, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; The Oklahoma Sooners finish warmups prior to action against the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; The Oklahoma Sooners finish warmups prior to action against the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaves the field after the game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium. Oklahoma defeated Texas Tech 66-59. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaves the field after the game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium. Oklahoma defeated Texas Tech 66-59. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Mayfield Shines Yet Again

Heaping praise on Baker Mayfield’s stellar play is by now getting redundant.

Once again, Mayfield had an outstanding performance, throwing for four touchdowns, 328 yards and one interception. Mayfield’s pace since Big 12 play commenced has been absolutely torrid: 24 TDs, four interceptions and an unreal 206.6 quarterback rating over that six game stretch.

Currently, Mayfield only lags Washington’s Jake Browning in passing efficiency rating.

Here is a simple request for Oklahoma coaches: Someone please tutor Mayfield in the art of sliding. Time and time again, Iowa State’s scrappy defense flushed Mayfield out of the pocket, who then extended plays with his feet and appeared unconcerned or unafraid of contact with Cyclone defenders. There was one play in particular where Mayfield appeared to absorb a substantial hit to the head.

Given his history with concussions, this kind of contact has got to be concerning to Sooner coaches. Oklahoma’s chances to win the Big 12 rest squarely on Mayfield’s shoulders. Lose Mayfield and the wheels will come off the Sooners’ season. Keeping him upright and healthy has to be priority number one.