Oklahoma Football: OU dominates West Virginia, 59-20

The Oklahoma Sooners made a triumphant return to the win column, dominating West Virginia, 59-20.

OU hosted the Mountaineers of West Virginia in Norman, OK Saturday night, and put together a complete performance. One thing to note in this victory was the team’s unwavering spirit, evident in crucial defensive stands and a stellar performance by Drake Stoops. Stoops would finish the night with 164 receiving yards on 10 receptions, both of which led the team.

Despite occasional hiccups in Dillon Gabriel’s accuracy, his eight total touchdowns showcased his command and set a single-game school record. Gabriel’s legs continue to be a major weapon near the goal line, with the fifth-year senior scoring three of his touchdowns on the ground. Additionally, he surpassed late Hawai’i QB Colt Brennan for 10th on the NCAA’s all-time passing yards list.

From a play-calling perspective, Jeff Lebby deserves credit for bouncing back from the past two weeks. To be sure, he will still be difficult to trust in crucial situations, but he did call a hell of a game. Oklahoma needed to step on this opponent’s throat, and he aided them in doing just that.

While the defense had its less-than-stellar moments, the prevailing theme is the group’s heart, a promising sign after two tough losses. The defense was superb on third and fourth down, highlighted by another crucial goal-line stand.

The victory, coupled with favorable losses between Kansas and Oklahoma State elsewhere, bodes well for OU’s potential conference championship aspirations.

Enjoy the win, Sooner Nation. Oklahoma will head west next week to take on BYU at 11 a.m. CT.