The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Oklahoma Sooners 45, Baylor Bears 24
Seven down, two to go. OU’s primary goal of an undefeated Big 12 season – which would be its first since 2004 – is still attainable.
There were signs of better defensive play in the Sooners' big win, with some more aggressive scheming and play-making. Meanwhile, the offense continues to click. The return of Joe MIxon and Samaje Perine arguably makes OU’s offense one of the top five in the nation.
The Great
Dede Westbrook
Both of his TDs were just sick.
The Good
First 18 minutes of football
Could not have gone better on offense and defense. Four offensive possessions led to three touchdowns. Defense forced a three-and-out on Baylor’s goal line and got a fourth down stop at midfield. Finally, the D forced a red zone turnover, negating a possible Baylor score.
Last 13 minutes
Also excellent. The Sooners had a long, time-killing drive to extend the lead. Defense got a stop on fourth down. Finally, the O ran the ball off its own goal line and seal the win.
Linebackers
Play in coverage was probably the best of the season. Jordan Evans had two interceptions, but he easily could have had three or four. His best game of the season.
Wide receivers
Mark Andrews and the rest of the supporting cast of WRs had a very good game. As teams try to roll more coverages toward Westbrook, the importance of the big plays by other WRs, especially on third down, cannot be overstated.
The Strange
Lincoln Riley's play calls
At times in the second quarter, it looked like Riley got a little too pass happy. OU had two stalled drives that could have put the game away earlier.
The Bad (At Times)
Run defense
Gave up too many yards.
Tactically, while playing with a lead, Mike Stoops may have been forcing Baylor to take a patient, grind-it-out approach on the ground and stopping Baylor’s deep passing game. If so, that might have worked, but OU still gave up a long play to K.D. Cannon.
The Ugly
Seth Russell's ankle injury
What else? Eek.
-Atlantasooner