Oklahoma Sooners Football | Big Plays Lead To 44-24 Victory Over West Virginia Mountaineers

The West Virginia Mountaineers came into Saturday's contest sporting the nation's top scoring defense. Entering conference play, the Oklahoma Sooners hoped to prove worthy after questions surrounding the secondary continuing. Jumping out to a quick 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a Mark Andrews touchdown reception on a four play, 74-yard drive lasting one minute, the focus became clear as a statement was made.

Crossing the goal line for the third time this season, Andrews touchdown marked the first time WVU allowed point in the first quarter. Moving into the second quarter, Mayfield found Sterling Shepard on a 28-yard strike. The touchdown capped off another four play drive, this time marching 75-yards while taking only 51 seconds off the clock.

By halftime, the Sooners clung to a 24-7 lead before the Mountaineers stormed back, closing the gap to a field goal. Once again striking quick and from distance, Durron Neal found himself behind the defense. With the ball in the air, Neal pinpointed its location to make the catch. The play resulted in a 71-yard touchdown reception putting OU back up by 10. The senior finished with two catches and 87 yards.

From there, the defense kicked into overdrive while the offense took on the task of melting the clock to end the game.

Although, the Sooners ran 58 plays, the offense utilized three scoring drives of under one minute to secure a lead as Baker Mayfield connected with six different receivers. Providing a target outside of Shepard, a welcomed site after last season, Dede Westbrook hauled in five catches for 107 yards.

Position Grades

Offensive Line - Against a 3-3-5 defense, the line was expected to hold up against nonstop blitzes. Giving up four sacks with a quarterback who is not known to get rid of the ball quickly is a feat in and of itself. However, the line failed to give Mayfield much room to run in combination with the backs once again. B-

Running Backs - Oklahoma barely cracked the 100 yard rushing mark with Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon on 22 rushing attempts. However, knowing the offensive line is improving and the Sooners only ran 58 plays (11 of those are rushing attempts by Baker Mayfield), the lack of production is understandable...not excusable. In my opinion, the backs did what they were asked to do as the took a back seat to the receivers in the game plan. A-

Quarterbacks - Mayfield collected 320 yards and three touchdowns against the 'Eers. While perfection is not expected, the quarterback threw a terrible interception. Fortunately, it wasn't costly in the grand scheme of things. B+

Receivers/Tight Ends -  Facing one-on-one coverage more often than not, the receivers constantly found space to work in. Michiah Quick made his presence known with a few tough grabs along the sideline and one in traffic. Constantly winning the battle, the only knock against this group comes at the hands of Westbrook (5 catches, 107 yards) who fumbled the ball allowing the opponent to kick a field goal. A