Confidence is key. The saying is as old as time, and the Oklahoma Sooners sure got a boost in their confidence when they traveled up to Ames, Iowa and shellacked the Cyclones, 59-14. OU never trailed in this game, and back-up quarterback for the Sooners, Cody Thomas, got valuable minutes in the 4th quarter. Oklahoma had such great success on offense when it came to running the ball, and head coach, Bob Stoops, let Trevor Knight loose to run when he had opportunities, and that worked very well for OU because Knight ran for over 140 yards. Much criticism was placed on Stoops when it came to him openly admitting he didn't want Trevor running the ball because he didn't want him to get hurt, but the way Knight ran on Saturday morning, there seems to be no doubt that Stoops has given that way of thinking, up.
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OU quarterback, Trevor Knight, celebrates a touchdown against Iowa State.
The Sooners beat the Cyclones 59-14. |
Early on in the game, wide receiver, Sterling Shepard, pulled his groin, and is currently day-to-day, but his services were not needed in this case. Second and third options, Duron Neal and Michiah Quick, came up big for Knight, and the offense just kept plugging along. On top of Knight's 146 rushing yards, running back, Alex Ross, ran for 144 yards himself, and OU's offensive total for rushing topped 500 yards! The Sooners' total yardage was over 750 and they definitely made a statement for being the best team in the Big12. Sure, Kansas State is the only undefeated team in the conference play, (only loss is to Auburn) and TCU beat OU, so they have to be ahead of them unless the Sooners can beat Baylor (since the Bears beat TCU). Oklahoma is actually sitting in 5th place though, due to the fact West Virginia beat Baylor (even though they lost to TCU as well) and that OU hasn't played the Bears yet. If Oklahoma can beat Baylor, then they would jump WVU (since they beat them earlier this season) and take over the 4th or 3rd spot in the Big 12. The Horned Frogs of TCU play K-State this week, and it will be one of the most highly-anticipated match ups this season for Big 12 fans. If the Frogs can beat the Wildcats, then OU maybe ranked second in the Big 12, and that could go a long way for the Sooners. To be honest, Oklahoma could still win the conference title and possibly earn a spot in the college football playoff if Kansas State was to lose to West Virginia, TCU, or Baylor. In my opinion, the Wildcats will not finish their season unscathed in the Big 12 and that bodes well if you're a fan of the Crimson and Creme.
Looking ahead on Oklahoma's schedule, they host Baylor at 11 AM CT, in Norman, for their 5th 11 o'clock kickoff this season and their 4th in row at that time. Sooners are 3-1 in those games, and at home, their only loss has come at the hands of the Kansas State Wildcats, 31-30. Expect OU to prepare mightily for the Bears this week, and keep an eye out for quick defensive end, Eric Striker, to have his hands all over Baylor QB, Bryce Petty, for most of the game. Defensive Coordinator for the Sooners, Mike Stoops, has emphasized the importance of getting to Petty early and often on Saturday, so watch for number 19 blitzing off the edge a ton! Last time Baylor came to Norman, they only lost, 34-42, so expect this game to have a similar feel. It's just something to think about, as the Sooners look for another Big 12 win to improve their chances of competing for a national championship at 11 AM CT on Fox Sports 1.
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