Kyler Murray’s debut as the replacement for Baker Mayfield lasted less than a half. Not because the redshirt junior was struggling, but because he was sizzling. The MLB first round pick turned Sooner starting QB was 9/11 for 209 yards and two scores.
After hitting Marquise Brown for a 65-yard bomb, with four minutes and some change left on the clock, Lincoln Riley had seen enough from his star and turned the keys over to Austin Kendall.
https://twitter.com/UNBSports_/status/1035945019591585792
Murray was supported by an Oklahoma rushing attack that was just as effective as he was. Rodney Anderson ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries and Trey Sermon powered his way to 69 yards and a score on nine carries as the second back to enter the game.
In all, Oklahoma’s offense racked up 653 yards, and 56 points, sending notice to the rest of the country that the Sooners are going to keep rolling, even without Baker Mayfield.
Defensive Improvements
Possibly even more impressive than Murray’s debut was the improvement the defense showed against what was supposed to be a potent Florida Atlantic offense. The Sooners didn’t surrender any points until garbage time (less than a minute left in the third) and had 9 tackles for loss.
Bookie and Motley swarming on 3rd down. #Sooners https://t.co/jjnu8cHwYP
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) September 1, 2018
The most encouraging part of the re-surging Sooner defense was the attitude they played with. It was a group that was both fast and physical and clearly seemed to be playing with a chip on their shoulders.
Oklahoma even crossed the goal line on special teams as well. A blocked put by Lee Morris led to the second touchdown of the game and pretty much opened the flood gates for what was to come.
We’ll have more coverage coming soon but for now celebrate the win!