It was inevitable. The coaches, fans and even the media thought this may happen. How would the Sooners handle success? Would Oklahoma have the same sense of focus this week? The answer Saturday was a resounding, we told you so. The sleepwalk was apparent early as Oklahoma started slow, but finished strong in a 56-14 win over Tulane on Saturday. The Sooners scored the final 49 points in the contest moving to 3-0 on the season.
Here We Go Again
Defensively, the Sooners would much rather forget about performances of a year ago. After giving up 14 points in the first quarter, Oklahoma found itself in all too familiar territory. Tulane had ran up and down Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. After scoring touchdowns on their first two drives, Tulane had drove the ball once again down to the Sooner 27 yard line. The Sooners were searching for someone to make a play. A guy that has been nicknamed “DC Island” by his teammates made that play. Parnell Motley stood in front of a Johnathan Brantley pass and returned it 77 yards for a pick six. The Sooners would tie the game and not relinquish the lead again.
WATCH. Parnell Motley with the Pick Six. #DCIsland #Sooners https://t.co/9JwaNAegat
— 𝕺𝖐𝖑𝖆𝖍𝖔𝖒𝖆 𝖛𝖘. 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖔𝖗𝖑𝖉 (@soonergridiron) September 16, 2017
Getting Defensive
Prior to the Motley interception, Oklahoma had given up 188 yards in its first 29 defensive snaps in the first 19 minutes of action. After the game changing play, the Sooner defense would be on the field for 45 plays and only gave up 103 yards. “You see the results of another playmaker on the field,” Sooners defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach Mike Stoops said of Motley. “You have to have playmakers and dynamic players. Everyone can’t be perfect all the time. Some guys have to make plays and Parnell’s a playmaker.
Baker, Offense Continues to Roll
There was no slow start for the Sooners offensively. Oklahoma started and ended their scoring in dramatic, big-play fashion. CeeDee Lamb got loose for an 82-yard touchdown bomb from Baker Mayfield. Conversely, to end the scoring Kyler Murray connected with Marquise Brown on an 87-yard heave and score. In all, Oklahoma amassed 631 yards in the victory. Mayfield continued his hot start to the season with four more touchdowns through the air with 331 yards.
Hot Takes
Historic Game Cut Short by Ejection
CeeDee Lamb was having a career game. He had four catches for 131 yards with a pair of scores. Oklahoma appeared to have a long touchdown run which broken open due to a key block by Lamb. Lamb would be called for an illegal block and targeting with the ejection. Fortunately, the penalty occurred in the first half of play which means CeeDee will still be available next week.
Who is That Man?
ESPN analyst Joey Galloway has never shied away from the dramatic. Joey riled up Sooner fans earlier this week in his commentary about Mayfield. Galloway said that Mayfield is still unproven in 2017 due to the fact that he hasn’t made any tough throws. After the Sooner victory over Tulane, Baker was asked about the comments. Sarcastically, Baker wouldn’t acknowledge the commentary and in the interview said he didn’t know who Galloway was. Baker has a wall on his locker that he keeps track of his doubters and it would not be surprising to see Galloway’s name there in the near future.
Up Next
Oklahoma will begin Big 12 conference play next week. The Sooners will face a familiar letdown scenario as they travel to Waco, Texas to face the Baylor Bears. Baylor is 0-3 on the season which includes home losses to Liberty and Texas San-Antonio.
