3 reasons why Oklahoma beat Baylor 34-31

There aren’t enough adjectives to describe Oklahoma’s roaring comeback over Baylor. Here are three reasons why the Sooners pulled it out.

In miraculous fashion, No. 10 Oklahoma overcame a 28-3 first half deficit to shock No. 13 Baylor 34-31 with a game-winning field goal.

The Sooners looked dead.

Jalen Hurts’ turned the ball over three times. The defense couldn’t get a stop. Baylor had all the momentum from the second drive until halftime.

Here are three reasons why Oklahoma came back in the second half and beat Baylor.

CONTROLLING THE CLOCK

In the second half, the Sooners flipped the script on the main strategy to beat them.

Oklahoma had the football for 24:20 of the 30 second half minutes. The Sooners out-gained Baylor 368-to-69 and outscored the Bears 24-0. That is also aided by the help of a defense that forced two takeaways and three three-and-outs in the second half alone.

It truly is hard to find a time this season where Oklahoma played better than in the second half against Baylor on the road.

TAKEAWAYS

They ended the streak.

The last time the Oklahoma defense forced a takeaway prior to Saturday’s night game was on Sept. 28 against Texas Tech when Neville Gallimore ran down a ball carrier and popped the football free.

Parnell Motley got it going after Baylor’s running back sprung free on its first drive of the second half. The senior defensive back popped the ball free from behind as safety Pat Fields picked it up.

The game-sealing play came from an interception by RUSH linebacker Nik Bonitto who dropped into the flats and in front of the receiver running a quick out route.

Takeaways equal victory, as Alex Grinch says, and did Oklahoma learn that lesson the hard way at Kansas State, but flip that script on College Football Playoff hopeful Baylor.

BELIEF

There is not a stat or a number to bring up here.

After Jalen Hurts’ fumbled on the two-yard line heading into the end zone, you’d have been crazy not to think that his journey and Oklahoma’s season was over. The Sooners, though, stayed the course.

A three-and-out later, a surge from the young pups in Oklahoma’s receiving corps and Hurts finding a new gear culminated into what has become the latest version of Sooner Magic.

Questions about this team were valid. The Sooners answered them and showed the world who they were this Saturday night.

That doesn’t happen without confidence and belief from the top-down of Oklahoma’s football program.

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How Twitter reacted to Oklahoma’s 34-31 comeback win over Baylor

Wow.
No. 10 Oklahoma (10-1, 7-1) erased a 25-point deficit against No. 13 Baylor (9-1, 6-1)

Wow.

No. 10 Oklahoma (10-1, 7-1) erased a 25-point deficit against No. 13 Baylor (9-1, 6-1), handing them their first loss of the season and taking the Bears’ playoff hopes with them.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Oklahoma’s largest comeback win in school history.

28-3 is a tough lead to keep…

An exact representation of the game.

Norman is a 10/10 good boy.

The Bears could be on the next episode of ‘Fixer Upper’.

Surrender Cobra!

Second half team? Second half team.

Right, mhm, sure.

Pete, buddy. You must be new here, huh?

Heel turn for Jalen Hurts in the eyes of Sooners fans.

Before the comeback was in full motion:

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Oklahoma overcomes 25-point deficit, beats Baylor 34-31

Sooner. Magic.

Once down 28-3, then 31-10, No. 10 Oklahoma (9-1, 6-1) prevailed to keep its season alive.

Sooner Magic in McLane.

Once down 28-3, then 31-10, No. 10 Oklahoma (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) prevailed to keep its season alive.

Without their best offensive player, CeeDee Lamb, the Sooners seemed dead in the water for much of the first half. Down 31-10 at the break, the Sooners flipped a switch, dominating the third quarter.

The Sooners only came away with seven points in the third but they out-gained the Bears 199-to-34 and held possession of the ball for 13:42 in the third, weakening Baylor’s defense for the fourth-quarter onslaught that would ensue.

Heading into the fourth-quarter needing 14 points to tie, Jalen Hurts put the team on his back, despite turning the ball over three times in the first half. Hurts finished the game going 30-of-42 through the air for 297 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Hurts also kept the Sooners alive, rushing for 117 yards on 27 attempts alongside second-leading rusher Kennedy Brooks who had 93 yards on 18 carries.

The comeback would not have ever happened had Alex Grinch’s defense not shutout the Baylor offense in the second half. The Sooners kept pressure on Bears quarterback Charlie Brewer all night, eventually forcing an interception that would seal the victory for the Sooners.

Defensively, Oklahoma was led by Ronnie Perkins and Parnell Motley, as both came up with key plays throughout the entire game.

The Sooners’ playoff hopes stay alive as they make a statement of sorts. They move to 10-1 (7-1) on the season.

Oklahoma takes on TCU next Saturday at 7 p.m. CT on FOX.

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How Twitter reacted to Baylor’s dominant first half against Oklahoma

No. 10 Oklahoma 8-1 (5-1) has yet to show up against No. 13 Baylor 9-0 (6-0). Here is how Twitter reacted to the first half.

No. 10 Oklahoma 8-1 (5-1) has yet to show up against No. 13 Baylor 9-0 (6-0). The Sooners trail 31-10 at halftime and haven’t looked like they belonged on the same field as Baylor.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the first half.

Former Sooner cornerback, Zack Sanchez has had enough…

If you’re going to talk down on a player, at least spell their name right …

Watching cooking shows over football is a totally new level of hurt.

These guys…

Simple and to the point.

Should we tell him?

Conspiracies are always fun!

Florida State would gladly take anyone affiliated with Oklahoma…

This man rather do chores. Sad!

#BasketballSZN

@OldTakesExposed ??

I love a good pun.

*Checks depth chart* Now entering the game, walk on freshman, Dom Trady?

This is dedication.

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Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb will not play against Baylor, per OU radio broadcast

Oklahoma will be without its best player against Baylor as CeeDee Lamb will be on the sideline for the entire game.

No. 10 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) will be without its best player against No. 13 Baylor (9-0, 6-0) after all.

The Sooners and Bears game has kicked off, with star receiver CeeDee Lamb not having his helmet. Soon after, the Oklahoma radio broadcast confirmed an earlier report that Lamb was questionable is now out for the game against Baylor.

The junior receiver went through warmups ahead of the game and looked to be ready to play. Lamb was fully dressed, going though drills and stretches 100 percent and even said “I’m good” to fans exiting after warmups.

His injury has not been announced by the team.

Lamb has been Lincoln Riley’s big play and go-to receiver all season. Lamb has 983 receiving yards on 44 receptions, good for 22.3 yards a catch, and has hauled in 13 touchdowns.

Many of those touchdowns were short hitch routes that Lamb housed by breaking tackles and then evading an entire defense. He has truly been Oklahoma’s best offense since the season kicked off against Houston.

The Sooners and Bears are tied up at zero as the game just kicked off.

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Thoughts, takeaways from Oklahoma-Baylor (live blog)

Oklahoma and Baylor are about to kickoff in one of the biggest games of the season. Here are live thoughts and takeaways from the game

No. 10 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) and No. 13 Baylor (9-0, 6-0) are about ready to kick things off in one of the biggest college football games of the season. The Sooners are 10.5-point favorites, but the Bears are playing tough-minded, physical football under Matt Rhule. Following along with scoring updates here.

4Q- 12:58 BAYLOR 31 OKLAHOMA 24

Hi hello.

Complimentary football is being played.

Oklahoma is within a touchdown.

Things are happening.

3Q- 9:16 BAYLOR 31 OKLAHOMA 17

Huge touchdown drive for Jalen Hurts and Lincoln Riley. Defense needs to do its part now.

1Q-3:34 BAYLOR 7 OKLAHOMA 3

Baylor’s defensive line is winning. That’s a major problem for Oklahoma. One of the pivotal matchups in this game.

1Q-5:26 BAYLOR 7 OKLAHOMA 3

This is going to be a dog fight. Exactly what we expected it to be. Can Oklahoma respond? Can Jalen Hurts respond?

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Oklahoma-Baylor scoring summary (live)

Oklahoma and Baylor are ready to kick things off in one of the biggest college football games. Follow along with scoring updates here.

No. 10 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) and No. 13 Baylor (9-0, 6-0) are about ready to kick things off in one of the biggest college football games of the season. The Sooners are 10.5-point favorites, but the Bears are playing tough-minded, physical football under Matt Rhule. Following along with scoring updates here.

4Q-1:45 OKLAHOMA 34 BAYLOR 31

Gabe Brkic 31 yard field goal.

Scoring summary: 9 plays 59 yards 2:30

4Q-5:25 BAYLOR 31 OKLAHOMA 31

Jalen Hurts to Brayden Willis for two yards. PAT good.

Scoring summary: 13 plays 77 yards 6:01

4Q-12:58 BAYLOR 31 OKLAHOMA 24

Jalen Hurts to Theo Weese for 19 yards. PAT good.

Scoring summary: 13 plays 90 yards 4:59

3Q-9:16 BAYLOR 31 OKLAHOMA 17

Jalen Hurts to Austin Stogner for three yards. PAT good.

Scoring summary: 12 plays 74 yards 5:44

2Q-0:03 BAYLOR 31 OKLAHOMA 10

John Mayers 28 yard field goal.

Scoring summary: 14 plays 61 yards 5:03

2Q-5:06 BAYLOR 28 OKLAHOMA 10

Jalen Hurts to Austin Stogner for five yards. PAT good.

Scoring summary: 14 plays 75 yards 5:56

2Q-11:02 BAYLOR 28 OKLAHOMA 3

Charlie Brewer to Denzel Mims for nine yards. PAT good.

Scoring summary: 1 play 9 yards :07

2Q-14:56 BAYLOR 21 OKLAHOMA 3

Charlie Brewer four yard rush. PAT good.

Scoring summary: 2 plays 27 yards :05

1Q-1:51 BAYLOR 14 OKLAHOMA 3

Charlie Brewer to Denzel Mims for 30 yards. PAT good.

Scoring summary:5 plays 54 yards 1:43

1Q-5:26 BAYLOR 7 OKLAHOMA 3

Charlie Brewer two yard rush. PAT good.

Scoring summary: 10 plays 78 yards 3:59

1Q-9:25 OKLAHOMA 3 BAYLOR 0

Gabe Brkic 39 yard field goal.

Scoring summary: 8 plays 31 yards 3:23

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Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb going through warmups, says he is ‘good’

Oklahoma may have had its first break of tonight’s game against Baylor as it looks like CeeDee Lamb is healthy and ready to go.

No. 10 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) may have had its first break of tonight’s game against No. 13 Baylor (9-0, 6-0).

Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was reportedly ‘questionable’ for tonight’s game against Baylor. He is fully dressed out, going through initial warmups and is now out with the team in pregame stretches. By all accounts, Oklahoma’s best player is ready to go tonight.

As he was heading off the field earlier, he told some fans he was “good” with a smile on his face.

The junior has been Lincoln Riley’s big play and go-to receiver all season. Lamb has 983 receiving yards on 44 receptions, good for 22.3 yards a catch, and has hauled in 13 touchdowns.

Many of those touchdowns were short hitch routes that Lamb housed by breaking tackles and then evading an entire defense. He has truly been Oklahoma’s best offense since the season kicked off against Houston.

The Sooners and Baylor are set to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

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Oklahoma’s Adrian Ealy going through warmups ahead of Baylor game

Oklahoma is getting good news ahead of its big matchup with Baylor as one of its starting offensive lineman looks to be ready to go.

No. 10 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) is getting good news on the injury front ahead of tonight’s game against No. 13 Baylor (9-0, 6-0).

As the initial warmups started for Saturday night’s game, starting right tackle Adrian Ealy ran out and participated in the initial offensive line drills with the rest of the offensive lineman. Ealy got hurt in the Iowa State a week ago and exited the game.

Head coach Lincoln Riley said on Monday that he did not know about his right tackle’s status. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh did not confirm or update his status at Tuesday’s media availability.

Oklahoma has had a mix of offensive line units already this season as Ealy and others have missed time. If he were not to go, Bedenbaugh confirmed on Tuesday that Virginia grad transfer R.J. Proctor would slide into the starting offensive line unit.

The Sooners and Baylor will kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

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Final spread, game total, other betting details for Oklahoma-Baylor

OU and Baylor are set for a nationally televised matchup with all the postseason implications. Here are the final betting details.

No. 10 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) and No. 13 Baylor (9-0, 6-0) are set for a primetime, nationally televised matchup with all the postseason implications.

The Sooners opened up as their smallest betting favorites of the year earlier in the week as 8.5-point favorites. As the game gets closer to kickoff, Oklahoma is settling in as 10.5-point favorites over the Bears, according to BetMGM.

Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Nov. 16  at 6:30 p.m. ET. 

The game total is set at 67.5, which BetMGM has with -134 juice—meaning they do not want to move that line up to 68.

BetMGM also has the first-half spread as the Sooners as 5.5-point favorites. On the other side, Baylor is +280 underdogs on the money line for the game.

Want to get in on the action? Place your bet now at BetMGM.

*Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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