Baker Mayfield leads two underdog teams in OU 2000s Playoff semifinals
By Chip Rouse
No. 4 2004 Oklahoma vs. No. 15 Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield took the first step in setting up an all-Mayfield final in the Sooner Football 2000s Playoff, leading his 2015 team to a 48-20 victory over Jason White and the 2004 Sooners. The 2015 team jumped out to an early 7-0 lead and never trailed in the game.
It was the second consecutive upset win for Mayfield, in his first season as the Sooners’ starting quarterback. The 2015 Sooners knocked off No. 1 seed 2000 national championship team 38-24 in the opening round of the Sooner 2000s Playoff
Mayfield completed 77 percent of his passes (19 of 24) for 305 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. His counterpart White put the ball in the air 45 times, completing only half (23) for 369 yards, including two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Sterling Shepard was on the receiving end of six of Mayfield’s passes and one for a touchdown. Samaje Perine rumbled for a game high 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns. One of his touchdowns was a 60-yard run.
Freshman Adrian Peterson produced the bulk of the run offense for the 2004 Sooners, collecting 147 yards on 30 carries, including a 56-yard touchdown run. Mark Clayton caught six passes for 92 yards.
The 2015 team broke open a game that was just 17-7 at halftime with a 31-point second-half outburst, including 21 points in the fourth quarter.
Trey DiCarlo missed four field-goal tries for the 2004 Sooners, ranging from 24 to 47 yards.
2015 Oklahoma 48, 2004 Oklahoma 20
Editor’s note: This game was simulated five times for greater accuracy. The two teams split the first four games. These results are of the fifth and deciding game.