We are starting a new feature, where each of the contributors to Crimson and Cream Machine will select their top five players after each Sooner game this season. They will then give a short explanation for why each player made the list.
Then at the conclusion of the season we will revisit this and determine our players of the year. So without further ado, here are who we believe were the top five players against as the Sooners easily handled the Akron Zips.
Matt
5. Jarvis Baxter
A walk-on receiver who just dropped in Oklahoma's lap was the team leader in receptions with five. No one was surprised that the university announced this week that he'll be on scholarship next semester.
4. Austin Seibert
It was just one game but Oklahoma's freshman kicker averaged 49.6 yards per punt and was perfect on field goals and extra points, including a 41-yard attempt. Let's also not overlook how good it was to see kickoffs go out of the end zone again.
3. Dede Westbrook
The JUCO transfer made an immediate impact and helped add much needed depth to the receiving corps. Baker Mayfield found him for a 29-yard scoring strike in the second quarter.
2. Baker Mayfield
It isn't every day that you get to break one of Sam Bradford's records.
1. Dominique Alexander
The Big 12's leading returning tackler started off the season with a 10 tackle/1 sack performance. He was the highlight of Oklahoma's dominant defensive performance.
Rich
5. Durron Neal
After struggling throughout his career to make an noticable impact, Neal pulled down a couple of competitive grabs. This could become a breakout type season for the senior.
4. Austin Seibert
The true freshman erased any early doubts in the kicking game. A big leg with a bit of confidence will continue to go a long way for the Sooners.
3. Dom Alexander
Flowing to the ball, Alexander refused to let anyone get by him. The kid already has 2.5 tackles for loss...3.5 shy of tying a career high and we're only one game into the season.
2. Baker Mayfield
A school record 388 yards in the home opener without any interceptions. Need I say more?
1. Joe Mixon
Although the rushing attack fell short, Mixon still found a way to make an impact in the receiving game. Leading the way with 115 receiving yards and another 27 on the ground.
Caymen
5. Jeffery Mead
The tall and lanky receiver caught two catches Saturday night, one of which for a touchdown in the third quarter that put the game away. He was just one of many young receivers who impressed me a lot against Akron, but Mead was the only underclassmen receiver to get into the endzone which is why a gave him the nod over Mark Andrews and Jarvis Baxter.
4. Austin Seibert
The kicker/punter for Oklahoma played as if he was a fifth year senior, but it was the true freshman's first collegiate game and he played nearly perfect. Two field goals from 35+ yards out and averaging nearly 50 yards on punts isn't a bad way to start your college career.
3. Dominique Alexander
He led the team in tackles with 10 and had a really solid game. He had a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss and was a big reason why Akron only scored three points.
2. Baker Mayfield
You couldn't of asked for a better game from the junior quarterback who scored four touchdowns in his first game as a Sooner. He also did a good job of taking care of the ball, something that the Sooners quarterbacks struggled with last year.
1. Joe Mixon
The highly touted freshman finally got to show Sooner fans his skills, and boy he didn't disappoint. His 76 yard touchdown reception was the highlight of the game and showed off his speed and big play capability. He also averaged 5.4 yards per carry on five attempts. He also handled punt return duties after Sterling Shepard's fumble.
Joey
5. Austin Seibert
In his first college game ever, Seibert averaged 50 yards per punt and nailed two field goals, including a 41 yarder.
4. Charles Walker
The defensive lineman basically was living in the Zips' backfield and was a major reason Akron couldn't get anything going.
3. Joe Mixon
The running game wasn't impressive, but that will come. When things weren't happening on the ground, Mixon stepped up in other ways. Mainly in the passing game with a 71 yard TD.
2. Baker Mayfield
Breaking a record held by Sam Bradford is always good. No interceptions is even better! If Mayfield can take care of the ball and stretch the defense for the running game, this will be a fun year to be a Sooner fan.
1. Dom Alexander
Alexander barely edged out Mayfield. After a somewhat disappointing 2014 campaign, Alexander seems to have put on some muscle and is moving really well in it, to the tune of 10 tackles and a sack.
Donnie
5. Jarvis Baxter
Baxter was a downfield blocking machine and led the team with 5 receptions. Not bad for a walk-on making his first start. It even earned him a scholarship in January
4. Matt Dimon
Dimon was one the many bright spots along the defensive line. He has made quite the comeback after missing time during the spring.
3. Charles Walker
When motivated I believe Charles Walker is easily one of the best defensive linemen in the Big 12. He was a constant force in the backfield, causing constant disruption in the Zips backfield all night.
2. Joe Mixon
The guy is a play maker and it showed on Saturday. While not getting a ton of opportunities, Mixon made the most of his debut with the Sooners by finishing with 142 yards on 8 touches and a spectacular 76 yard TD reception.
1. Baker Mayfield
It had to be him. Mayfield finished with 388 yards passing and 3 TDs and ZERO interceptions. His first start was one for the record books and hopefully a preview of coming events.
Who were your top five players and why?