Week Nine Recap
Every Team is 6–2
Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State 37 — West Virginia 20
Mason Rudolph threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, as Oklahoma State picked up Mike Gundy’s 100th career win, 37–20. The Cowboys (6–2, 4–1), picked up their sixth win over a top ten team in the Gundy era, as #10 West Virginia (6–1, 3–1) was on the losing end for the first time.
In a game that focused on the Mountaineer defense, it was Oklahoma State’s defense that forced three turnovers, which led to 17 Cowboy points. Vincent Taylor did a little of everything for the Pokes, finishing with a forced fumble, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Each of the turnovers led to the Cowboy offense beginning their drive inside the West Virginia 20.
West Virginia pulled within seven points early in the fourth quarter, but the Cowboys responded with a nine play drive that ended in a Chris Lacy touchdown catch.
Game Ball
Mason Rudolph continued his excellent play, finishing 26–36 for 273 yards. Although he has had bigger numbers in other games, this may have been one of his most complete games. After West Virginia pulled within seven, Rudolph engineered a touchdown pass on the next drive. He was 6/6 for 58 yards.
University of Tulsa
Tulsa 59 — Memphis 30
Tulsa jumped out to a 14–0 lead and never looked back, in a key AAC battle. James Flanders continued his amazing play in the Hurricane (6–2, 3–1) backfield, rushing for 249 yards and a school record five touchdowns.
The game went back and forth for a while, with Tulsa holding a 35–24 lead at the half. Memphis (5–3, 3–3) was able to pull within 35–30 early in the third quarter, but the Tulsa defense held the Tigers scoreless on their last six possessions.
Quarterback Dane Evans continued his steady play, passing for 234 yards (20/33) and two touchdowns. Memphis Quarterback, Riley Ferguson, passed for a game-high 349 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions.
Game Ball
Tulsa rushed for a season-high 362 yards, on Saturday, and a lot of that credit should be aimed at a dominant offensive line. Not only did Flanders score five times on the ground, but the line held the Memphis defense without a sack. The offensive line play has been stellar all season, and looks to be a key as Tulsa vies for a division championship.
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma 56 — Kansas 3
It was the homecoming game most Sooner fans were looking for: dominant. A week after giving up 59 points to Texas Tech, Oklahoma (6–2, 5–0) held Kansas without a touchdown and to a meager 170 yards of offense.
Baker Mayfield once again paced an offense that went for 538 yards, led by his solid 236 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Joe Mixon rushed 74 yards on only nine carries, and Dede Westbrook continued his tear, racking up 230 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.
Kansas (1–7, 0–5) got an early field goal, but were unable to threaten again for the rest of the game. The Oklahoma defense forced two turnovers and held the Jayhawks to 49 yards on the ground.
Game Ball
Can we just give it up to Dede Westbrook for the October he had? 881 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. Nine of those touchdowns were on plays of 40 yards or more. In September, the Sooners were desperate to find someone who could replace Sterling Shepard, and now, as they head into the pivotal month of November, they have found someone who has thus far been unstoppable.
