Big 12 Football: Week 1 Winners and Losers

Sep 5, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scores a touchdown against the Akron Zips during the third quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Winner: Oklahoma Sooners

Early on in the game versus Akron it seemed logical to think that OU might be in for a long season. The offense just wasn’t moving the ball, Mayfield started off slow completing one pass for 15 yards followed by a series of three and outs.

By halftime, the mojo had started to gain for the Sooner’s and fans could breathe a sigh of relief. By the end of the third quarter Mayfield showed why he was the guy for the new Lincoln Riley offense connecting on 10 of 12 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns in the third quarter.

Oklahoma looked poised and energetic in the second half of the game against the Zips, putting up 21 points in the third quarter. Baker Mayfield passed for 388 yards and three touchdowns and ran for a score in three quarters, and running back Joe Mixon had 142 yards from scrimmage. Including a 76-yard touchdown reception.

Oklahoma easily put Akron away with a 41-3 victory. Mayfield set a school record for yards passing in a season opener, surpassing the previous mark of 363 yards by Sam Bradford in 2007. While it’s clear that Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley have the pieces in place to win the Big 12. There are some other teams that stand in the way.

Next: Winner: West Virginia Defense