By: Hunter Cornejo
Oklahoma State uh What Happeneduhhh? Oklahoma’s phenomenal first quarter offensively and 4 quarters of dominant defensive play propels the Sooners in the 28-13 win in Bedlam. For the 4th time all year, the Oklahoma Sooners scored on their first drive of the game, this time with Oklahoma legend and native James Droz in attendance. Drake Stoops was finally given the opportunity to shine in Bedlam and that is exactly what he did as only 4 plays the Stoops chants were rumbling throughout Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Dillion Gabriel connected with Stoops on a 33 yard pass to put the Sooners inside the 5, Gabriel then ran it in on a 2 yard quarterback keeper. The Sooners defense had their most impressive performance on the year in the most unlikely scenario as they were on the field for 102 plays. The Oklahoma defense forced a 3 & out to put the ball back in Dillion Gabriel’s hands. Gabriel was able to find Jalil Farooq wide open on a 30 yard wheel route for another Oklahoma Sooners touchdown. Once Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders made it back on the field he tried to throw away the ball, however he put a little too much air under it as C.J. Coldon was able to pick it off. After a Sooners 3 & out, the defense struck once again, this time Jonah Laulu joined in on the fun, picking off Sanders and nearly taking it to the house, giving Eric Gray the opportunity to punch it in for the Sooners, making the score 21-0 not even midway through the first quarter. On Oklahoma’s next drive, it looked as if they were going to score once again, however a Brayden Willis fumble ended the drive. On the next offensive drive for the Sooners, Drake Stoops was finally able to score as he was wide open in the end zone for a 23 yard touchdown, which little did we know would be the last score of the game for the Sooners. The Oklahoma Sooners’ defense held their own all game long only holding Oklahoma State to 13 points all game, including 3 consecutive bail outs for the nonexistent Sooners offense to end the game. The defense as a whole had 6 sacks for a loss of 43 yards, as well as 13 tackles for loss for 60 yards. D-lineman Jordan Kelly led the Sooners in TFLs with 2.5 for 18 yards. Billy Bowman once again had another interception, as well as Deshaun White, who picked off Sanders in the end zone. The only positive last night for the Oklahoma State Cowboys was their defensive play in the final 3 quarters of play as they held the Sooners scoreless. Although I was wrong in my predictions on the Sooner Surge podcast on Spencer Sanders having a Heisman moment performance, I was correct on Bixby native Brennan Presley having another massive Bedlam performance for the Cowboys, as he had 118 yards receiving, including a 55 yard play, which included 50 yards after the catch. Although the dominance of the Sooners was limited by the lack of offensive production in 45 minutes of play, it is great for the Sooners to earn their bowl eligibility.
What a night for Sooner punter/holder Michael Turk. Turk had another career performance that surely locked up the Ray Guy Award for him. Turk had 11 punts for 539 yards, averaging 49 yards per punt. Being at the game, I was able to see the absolute astounding punts, many of which would have rolled to the goal line if Brennan Presley would’ve been unable to field them. 3 of the 11 were downed inside the 20, and another one should have been downed at the 1 but the coverage team was unable to do so. Turk capped off his big night by proposing to his girlfriend, another Sooner Legend, softball shortstop Grace Lyons. Congratulations to both Michael Turk and Grace Lyons.
What a night it was for TikTok star James Droz. James, a Bartlesville, Oklahoma native, was in attendance for Bedlam. James was able to watch the game from the sidelines, and he was able to meet many celebrities, including Thunder point guard Josh Giddy. The Sooners invited him into the locker room following the game, allowing him to record his iconic What Happenduhhh video in the locker room surrounded by the entire team. While James was in the locker room he was able to make TikToks with the players as well as dance with the team. Hats off to the University of Oklahoma and Brent Venables’ SOUL Mission for making James’ night so special.
Oklahoma looks to get their 7th win of the season next Saturday as the take on Texas Tech in Lubbock. The Red Raiders will be a tough team to beat on the road in front of a rowdy tortilla throwing crowd. Kickoff is at 6:30 PM CT on FS1.
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