It was total dominance for Oklahoma on Saturday as the Sooners crushed Arkansas State 73-0, showing some early signs of promise in Brent Venables’ second year. We listed our candidates for Player of the Game yesterday, but what about the actual play of the game? In my opinion, it’s pretty cut and dry as to what the play of the game was, but there were some runners-up as well.
Second Runner Up
Dillon Gabriel to Andrel Anthony for 45 yards. This came on Oklahoma’s opening possession and it set the tone for the day. Oklahoma was more skilled, and faster, than their opponent and they weren’t afraid to take advantage of it. A play later Gabriel hit Drake Stoops for a 10-yard touchdown, and the game’s first score. It was also the perfect come up party for Anthony, who transferred to Oklahoma from Michigan. He only played the first half, but finished with 66 yards on three receptions.
Runner Up
Despite pitching a shutout, it’s still a mixed bag of reviews on Oklahoma’s defensive performance. There are some that don’t believe the pass rush was what it should have been, and still others who though the defensive line should have been more aggressive. One thing that you can’t deny, though, is that the defensive backs were more aggressive and physical than they’ve been in a while. Nothing really said that more than Gentry Williams’ laying the wood on an Arkansas State swing pass late in the first quarter.
Play Of The Game
Undoubtedly the play of the game was Gavin Freeman’s 82-yard punt return for a score. The Sooners had already scored on the opening possession and then held the Red Wolves to a three-and-out, forcing the punt that freeman returned. The “floodgates were opened at this point” and the blowout was on.
So, there it is. That’s our play of the game. What do you think? Agree or disagree? What other play belongs on the list? Let us know!
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