Oklahoma trounces Ohio State, 31-16: 3 takeaways

Oklahoma got revenge over Ohio State on the road, while Baker Mayfield made a strong Heisman statement. Can the Buckeyes still make the Playoff?

After Oklahoma vs. Ohio State last year had lots of hype, then fizzled into an anti-climactic 21-point win, OU spent the entire offseason looking for revenge. They got it, as they marched into the Horseshoe and got a similarly comprehensive victory. While Mayfield was the story of the game, Oklahoma’s defense took a complete 180 from the last time they faced off.

For a first year coach, and his first true test of the season, Lincoln Riley passed it with flying colors. They’ll be celebrating this win in Norman all week long.

Takeaways

Baker Mayfield could be the frontrunner for the Heisman. Mayfield was a popular pick to win the Heisman during preseason, but faced stiff competition from guys like Lamar Jackson, Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen. Of those four players so far, no quarterback has looked more impressive than Mayfield. He only threw one incomplete pass against UTEP, and carved up Ohio State’s defense on the road.

Through three quarters, he had a passer efficiency rating of 195, which was one shy of his FBS record. He often made incredible plays out of the pocket on his own, particularly on their second touchdown drive. If Mayfield runs the table and wins the Big 12, I don’t know how you can’t give it to him. With this win, Mayfield is also now 10-0 in true road games during his Oklahoma career.

Kevin Wilson can’t fix J.T. Barrett. When Barrett stumbled toward the end of last season, turning in lackluster performances against Michigan State, Michigan and Clemson to close out the year, many believed that a shake-up was needed. Hiring Kevin Wilson as offensive coordinator was supposed to do that, but the early returns haven’t been good.

Just like against Indiana, Barrett’s accuracy was barely above 50 percent. Without his receivers getting significant yards after catch, he only had 166 passing yards to his name. The book is out on him now. Nobody’s scared of the Buckeyes as long as Barrett’s playing under center. There’s a chance Ohio State can make the Playoff if they run the table, but nobody should be convinced that this team can beat Penn State.

Oklahoma’s defense could be one of the best in the country. While last year’s Sooners built their game on offense, and felt like a lock to put up 30+ every time, their defense was a big question mark. But this year, they’re a much better unit, and if you think they didn’t use last year’s Ohio State game to improve on it, then you’re playing yourself.

Oklahoma gave up 350 yards in this contest — they gave up 291 rushing yards against Ohio State last year. You can tell that Lincoln Riley spent all offseason fixing his defense. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was a force on the defensive end, their corners made life difficult for the opposing receivers and Emmanuel Beal was a stud in his homecoming game.

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To only allow 183 passing yards and 167 rushing yards on the road is a tremendous statement for Riley and Mike Stoops. Oklahoma State may be the peoples’ choice to win the Big 12, but until they can prove it, the Sooners are still the class of the conference.