Oklahoma Football: Sooners moving on from Baker Mayfield
By Zach Bigalke
Offense
Oklahoma could end up leaning on its ground game far more in 2018. That is because both Rodney Anderson and Trey Sermon return to the Sooners backfield motivated to improve on last year’s production. Together, Anderson and Sermon posted 18 rushing touchdowns and a combined 1,900 rushing yards last season.
They will have the benefit of a veteran offensive line to open holes. Erick Wren is gone at the center spot, as is All-American tackle Orlando Brown. But three All-American starters return from last season, and Jonathan Alvarez has one more season of eligibility after redshirting last season. There is not a ton of depth on the line, but there is experience.
The receiving corps also look strong in 2018. Marquise Brown started to break out last year, and he provides a deep threat for the new quarterback. Mark Andrews is gone, but CeeDee Lamb is back after finishing third on the team in receiving yards last year.
Focusing on Kyler Murray
Of course, Oklahoma’s success or failure on offense will depend on the performance of the guy replacing Baker Mayfield. That will most likely fall to Kyler Murray, another transfer to Oklahoma who started his career out in the Lone Star State. Murray started as a freshman at Texas A&M but fell out of favor and departed for Norman.
Since then, he sat out his obligatory year and then sat behind Baker Mayfield on the depth chart. Now is Murray’s chance to shine in a high-powered offense. He brings more mobility to the table than Mayfield, which could change the offensive balance some in 2018. That will, in turn, open things up for Anderson and Sermon running the ball as Murray keeps them honest with his arm and his legs.
First, though, Murray actually has to win the starting job. Austin Kendall looked good as well in the spring and could put pressure on Murray out of the gate. For Oklahoma to succeed in 2018, they need Murray to quiet any talk of being replaced. If we hear Kendall’s name coming up regularly, it will be a bad sign for Lincoln Riley’s crew.