Oklahoma Dominates Oregon
On the whole, Sooner fans finally get long-awaited retribution for a dubious loss to Oregon in 2006. Ultimately, if any outsider feels like the Oklahoma faithful had long since forgotten about that game, simply doesn’t know Oklahoma football. As an example, former and interim head coach Bob Stoops mentioned the game numerous times leading up to this game. The controversy stemmed from an Oregon onside kick that was clearly recovered by Oklahoma running back Allen Patrick. Inexplicably the officials gave the ball to Oregon. The Ducks went on to win that game 34-33. Subsequently, the PAC 12 temporarily suspended the entire officiating crew following that game.
In 2021, the Sooners made sure there was no such opportunity for an officiating blunder to decide the outcome.
The Sooners dominated the shorthanded Ducks all night. The Valero Alamo Bowl was all Oklahoma on this night.
Oregon
Oregon was obviously shorthanded, due to opt-outs, injuries, and players entering the transfer portal. The Ducks just couldn’t get their offense on track in the first half. Oregon managed only a field goal and trailed Oklahoma 30-3 at halftime. Consequently, Oregon was able to get the offense going in the third quarter. Ultimately, the deficit was just too much. After their initial possession, Oklahoma scored on eight consecutive possessions.
To the credit of the Ducks, they didn’t give up at halftime. Oregon outscored Oklahoma 29-17 in the second half.
Oregon quarterback, Anthony Brown torched the Oklahoma defense for 306 yards and three touchdowns mostly in the second half. Running back Travis Dye rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown for Oregon as well.
A depleted Duck defense just couldn’t get enough stops to allow the offense to cut the deficit. Equally important, the injury of Noah Sewell further hindered the defense. Sewell is a 6’ 3” 251-pound freshman standout linebacker.
Oklahoma
The Sooners were clearly focused and on a mission to make a point. Furthermore, Oklahoma came out and dominated the game on both sides of the ball in the first half.
Additionally, quarterback Caleb Williams was almost perfect in the first half. Kennedy Brooks took care of the running attack with 127 yards on 10 carries and two scores in the first half.
Oklahoma was a little shorthanded as well. The defensive side was without several standout performers. Among the transfers and opt-outs were Perrion Winfrey, Brian Asamoah II, Isaiah Thomas, and Nik Bonitto. Specifically, the loss of these four starters was felt especially in the second half. The Sooners just didn’t have a lot of depth on defense.
On the other hand, it was good to get some young, talented underclassmen some opportunities to showcase their talent.
The Final Word
Equally important, this was obviously a great win for Oklahoma. However, a big question remains unanswered. Is the Sooner signal caller coming back to Oklahoma in 2022? In brief, coming into this game it was generally believed that Williams was definitely returning. That being said, some of his post-game comments raised more questions than answers. It was the consensus coming into the game that Williams was returning. On the other hand, it’s anyone’s guess at this point.
However, it would be remiss to not give a huge thanks to Coach Stoops for his contributions. Stoops clearly loves Oklahoma. Notably, his passion and loyalty are admirable. Oklahoma owes a debt of gratitude for this classy man as Oklahoma dominates Oregon to finish the 2021 campaign.
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