ARLINGTON, Texas – The Baylor Bears fell short in overtime as the Oklahoma Sooners won the Big 12 title, 30-23.
Shot out of the gate: The Baylor defense was sensational to start this game. Aside from a 71-yard chunk play for CeeDee Lamb, the Bears allowed just 101 yards to the Sooners in the first half. The defense also forced two first half turnovers that truly flipped the switch for the team. The Bears held the Sooners to just 1 for 6 on third downs in the first half. Their best offense for a good portion of this game was their defense.
Struggled: Gerry Bohanon had his number called early in the game after Charlie Brewer went down. He had a tough outing. He finished with 9 carries for 15 yards and completed just 4 of his 15 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. He was replaced by Jacob Zeno who came in and threw for 159 yards on two completions. Rhule mentioned after the game that Bohanon was injured all week and was struggling physically during the game.
Decisive Moment: Even though the Bears mounted an impressive comeback after being down 23-13 in the 4th quarter, Oklahoma’s overtime performance helped them edge out the Bears. A quick 3 play touchdown drive gave them the lead, and their defense stepped up and pressured Jacob Zeno on every play. Baylor went 4 plays and netted -10 yards on their overtime possession. The offensive line just could not seem to pick up the Oklahoma blitzes, especially on Baylor’s last possession.
MVP: For the Bears, there were several players who made big time plays just when the team seemed to need it in regulation. Tyquan Thornton had a sensational start to the game and the defense was great against one of the best offenses in the country. However, I am giving the nod to Jacob Zeno simply because of the spark he provided. He came in and electrified the stagnant offense. His first two throws combined for 159 yards and a touchdown. Obviously, he couldn’t make the plays in overtime and failed to escape the pressure Oklahoma was bringing.
Key stat: Baylor’s offense was 3-15 on third down conversions. Baylor constantly found themselves in 3rd and long situations that plagued their opportunities. Aside from some big plays late in the game, they did not get much of anything going offensively.
Game Notes:
Game Summary
First Quarter
9:31 OU: TD – RB Kennedy Brooks 6-yard run: Drive: 3 plays, 78 yards, 1:21 – Baylor 0 – Oklahoma 7
4:51 OU: FG – K Gabe Brkic makes 44-yard field goal: Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:06 – Baylor 0 – Oklahoma 10
Second Quarter
11:45 OU: Turnover – LB James Lynch forces QB Jalen Hurts fumble, LB Terrel Bernard recovers
10:20 BAY: FG – K John Mayers makes 44-yard field goal: Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:25 – Baylor 3 – Oklahoma 10
3:58 OU: Turnover – LB Jordan Williams intercepts QB Jalen Hurts, returns for 5 yards
2:59 BAY: TD – WR Tyquan Thornton 33-yard reception: Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 0:59 – Baylor 10 – Oklahoma 10
0:08 BAY: FG – K John Mayers makes 28-yard field goal: Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 1:10 – Baylor 13 – Oklahoma 10
Third Quarter
7:53 OU: FG – K Gabe Brkic makes 24-yard field goal: Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:39 – Baylor 13 – Oklahoma 13
3:09 OU: TD – WR Nick Basquine 18-yard reception: Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:46 – Baylor 13 – Oklahoma 20
Fourth Quarter
10:31 OU: FG – K Gabe Brkic makes 24-yard field goal: Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:43 – Baylor 13 – Oklahoma 23
9:41 BAY: TD – RB Trestan Ebner 81-yard reception: Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:50 – Baylor 20 – Oklahoma 23
3:25 BAY: FG – K John Mayers makes 27-yard field goal: Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:46 – Baylor 23 – Oklahoma 23
Overtime
0:00 OU: TD – RB Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run: Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards – Baylor 23 – Oklahoma 30
