November 6-8, 2017

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W E E K D AY E D I T I O N | N O V E M B E R 6 - 8 , 2 0 17 | T W I C E W E E K LY I N P R I N T | O U D A I LY. C O M

OU DAILY

PANDEMONIUM Senior quarterback Baker Mayfield puts a No. 1 in the air after throwing a touchdown pass in the Bedlam game against Oklahoma State Nov. 4.

CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY

Mayfield smashes records in win against Oklahoma State

S

KELLI STACY • @ASTACYKELLI

TILLWATER, Oklahoma — On Saturday, senior quarterback Baker Mayfield parted a sea of orange and black, weaving through the Oklahoma State defense on his way to a seven-yard rushing touchdown. In a move that may prove to be prophetic, the Heisman hopeful stuck his left arm out and hit the signature move — a stiff arm. What many already knew became even more abundantly clear — this could be Mayfield’s Heisman moment. With the other top three contenders losing earlier in the day, the Oklahoma quarterback’s chance to cement himself atop the list of candidates was upon him. Mayfield seized the moment, putting on a performance few will be able to ignore and leading OU (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) to a 62-52 win. It’s only fitting that Mayfield’s c ro w n i n g m o m e n t c a m e i n Bedlam, which is by definition “a state of uproar and confusion.” “He doesn’t flinch. He’s made for atmospheres like this,” Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said. “His favorite thing in the world is to play in (games) like this, and I think it shows.” After a shaky start that involved an interception on the first drive and a fumble by running back Abdul Adams that was eventually overturned on the second drive, Mayfield rallied his offense. He went on to lead the Sooners to 466 yards and 38 points in the first half alone. By halftime he had already amassed 387 passing yards and three touchdowns, as well as his rushing touchdown. Mayfield didn’t stop there, though. That was only the

beginning of what would become a record-setting day in Boone Pickens Stadium. He went on to pass for two more touchdowns, bringing his total up to five, and set a program record for single-game passing yards with 598. Coincidentally enough, 598 passing yards is the most a quarterback has thrown for in the FBS this season. Now more than ever, Mayfield is the Sooners’ best bet at a Heisman winner since Sam Bradford in 2008. That’s not what he wants to hear, though.

“Winning around here is expected. Winning against Oklahoma State’s expected, as well. It’s the standard.” BAKER MAYFIELD, SENIOR QUARTERBACK

“I’m not worried about winning that,” Mayfield said. “I’m worried about winning ballgames.” Mayfield can’t hide from his success or the Heisman talk after a hot start to “championship November.” The parallels to Bradford’s legendary season are starting to take shape – the Sooners overcoming an early season loss to a conference opponent while the reigning Heisman champion struggles to keep pace with the Sooners’ gunslinger. He’s carried the Sooners on his back this season, and Saturday was no exception. Each time it looked like Oklahoma State (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) might overtake Oklahoma, Mayfield struck.

“I knew they were good, but I never would have expected that,” said Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer. “I knew (Mayfield) was going to make some plays. We just gave him too many big plays.” Some of Mayfield’s winning ways can be attributed to the heart and grit he plays with each week, and the responsibility he places on himself. In the third quarter, Mayfield dropped back to pass, and the pocket quickly collapsed around him. Down he went, wrapped up by an Oklahoma State defender. The next play, he dropped back again. No one was open, sack No. 2, OU was forced to punt. On the following drive he was sacked two more times, making it four consecutive sacks on pass attempts. Each time, he popped back up immediately, showing the resilient, prideful part of his nature. When he got the ball back, he made it count, leading the Sooners to 24 more points in the second half. It’s this determination and ability to perform when his back is against a wall — that’s what makes Mayfield stand out in this year’s Heisman race. His fire bleeds into his team, as do his expectations. “Winning around here is expected,” Mayfield said. “Winning against Oklahoma State’s expected, as well. It’s the standard ... There’s a tradition of excellence at the University of Oklahoma, and I take pride in holding our guys and our program to that.” Kelli Stacy

kelliastacy@ou.edu

INTO THE RECORD BOOKS:

CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY

Senior quarterback Baker Mayfield throws the ball in the Bedlam game against Oklahoma State Nov. 4.

Combined points scored in Bedlam:

Longest active road game win streak:

OU’s fourth-most average yards per play:

OU record for receiving yards in a half (tie):

OU’s most wins against one program:

OU passing yards in one game:

OU record for receiving yards in a game:

OU record for passing yards in a half:

114 87

15

598

10.3 265

178 378

SGA presidential candidates unlikely to be disqualified despite grievances: see Page 4

Mayfield moved into third place for the all-time Big 12 record for career passing touchdowns:

117


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