Lincoln Riley After Kansas Win: Oklahoma's Toughest Opponent Right Now Is Itself
Oct 23, 2021
Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley watches his team warm up before an NCAA college football game against Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Dallas. Oklahoma won 55-48. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley wasn't happy with his team's performance after surviving a scare against Kansas on Saturday.
After the Sooners' 35-23 win, Riley told reporters that his team is its own worst enemy right now.
"The toughest opponent that we've got right now is ourselves," Riley said. "And we beat ourselves too much. I love the way we finish, and damn, if we will ever figure out how to play a complete game, combined with the way this team finishes, we could have something."
The Sooners were trailing 10-0 through two quarters after a horrendous performance by the offense. They gained a total of 53 yards on just 17 plays with an interception by Caleb Williams and a turnover on downs when a 4th-and-6 pass was incomplete.
Coming out after halftime, Oklahoma gained more yards on its first drive (75) than it did in the entire first half. Williams capped it off with a five-yard touchdown pass to Jadon Haselwood.
The Sooners scored touchdowns on all five of their second-half possessions. Williams threw for 178 yards, ran for 70 and accounted for three scores.
Despite being 8-0 so far, the Sooners have rarely played an entire game at an elite level. They had to make a defensive stop on the final drive in a 23-16 win over Nebraska. They spent most of their game against West Virginia tied before Gabe Brkic's 30-yard field goal as time expired.
Oklahoma had to score 35 points in the second half against Texas to steal a 55-48 win on Oct. 9.
Early season issues at quarterback are at least partially to blame. Spencer Rattler was seen as a Heisman favorite coming into the year, but turnovers have moved him behind Williams on the depth chart.
If there is a silver lining for Riley and the Sooners, they keep winning games as other playoff contenders fall. Illinois upset Penn State 20-18 in nine overtimes Saturday. Alabama and Ohio State already have one loss this season.
Oklahoma still has two games remaining against teams currently ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, including a Nov. 27 showdown at Oklahoma State in the regular-season finale.
If the Sooners can iron out their issues, they are still in a prime position to be in the College Football Playoff.
Caleb Williams, No. 3 Oklahoma Rally in 2nd Half to Thwart Kansas' Upset Bid
Oct 23, 2021
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners overcame sloppy play and a 10-0 halftime deficit to beat the Kansas Jayhawks 35-23 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, on Saturday.
Oklahoma improved to 8-0 and kept its hopes of an undefeated season alive, while Kansas fell to 1-6 and dropped its 17th consecutive game to the Sooners.
Oklahoma true freshman quarterback Caleb Williams accounted for just 50 yards with one interception in the first half, but he bounced back in the second half and finished with 248 yards and three touchdowns.
Kansas' near-upset was spearheaded by running back Devin Neal, who paced the Jayhawks with 100 yards and two touchdowns.
Oklahoma entered the game as a 38.5-point favorite and avoided what would have been one of the biggest upsets in college football history.
Notable Stats
Caleb Williams, QB, OKLA: 15/20 for 178 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT; 8 CAR for 70 YDS, 1 TD
Jason Bean, QB, KAN: 17/23 for 246 YDS, 1 TD; 14 CAR for 59 YDS
Kennedy Brooks, RB, OKLA: 24 CAR for 79 YDS, 2 TD; 1 REC for 24 YDS
Devin Neal, RB, KAN: 23 CAR for 100 YDS, 2 TD
Jadon Haselwood, WR, OKLA: 3 REC for 38 YDS, 1 TD
Kwamie Lassiter II, WR, KAN: 7 REC for 101 YDS
Caleb Williams Bounces Back in Come-from-Behind Win
In just the second start of his collegiate career, Williams faced and overcame a significant amount of adversity.
Williams was the hero two weeks ago when he replaced Spencer Rattler in the Red River Showdown against Texas, leading Oklahoma to victory. He followed that up with a good performance in an easy win over TCU.
The expectation was that Williams and the Sooners would cruise against a struggling team, and while that wasn't the case, winning in the fashion they did may have set OU up for sustained success.
Williams and Co. were out of sync in the first half, likely due in large part to the fact that Kansas possessed the ball for long stretches.
Even when the Sooners had the ball, things didn't go well, as Williams was picked off by Ricky Thomas Jr. on a deep pass in the second quarter:
The Sooners gained fewer than 100 yards in the first half, and in the second half Kansas opened the stadium to anyone, regardless of whether they had a ticket:
Wow! They just announced on Kansas radio network that stadium gates are open, no more tickets required. “If you’re in town, come on down!”
But Williams led Oklahoma on a touchdown drive to open the second half, throwing a five-yard scoring pass to Jadon Haselwood.
After Kansas restored its 10-point lead on the next drive, Oklahoma struck again three plays later when Williams threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Hall.
Oklahoma then forced a three-and-out and took a 21-17 lead on a four-play, 48-yard drive that ended in a one-yard touchdown run by Kennedy Brooks.
Williams later helped put the game away with two massive plays that further showed why he separated himself from Rattler.
The first was a 40-yard touchdown run on 4th-and-3:
Williams was far from perfect, but he sprinkled in some of his trademark magic to lead the Sooners to victory.
Oklahoma will have to be better in every aspect to remain undefeated and reach the College Football Playoff, but with Williams behind center, it will have a chance.
Neal, Kansas Running Game Nearly Complete Upset
Though Kansas fell short of what would have been the program's biggest victory in over a decade, it may have found a winning formula.
The Jayhawks dominated possession, keeping Oklahoma's high-powered offense off the field.
While quarterback Jason Bean was effective as a runner, Neal chewed up yards and the clock, and his physicality proved difficult to handle.
Neal's one-yard plunge accounted for the only touchdown of the first half, and he scored again late in the third quarter on a hugely important drive for Kansas.
After Oklahoma cut the deficit to 10-7, the Jayhawks orchestrated a 10-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Neal on 4th-and-goal:
Kansas had seemingly regained control of the game at that point, but Oklahoma was unstoppable the rest of the way, with the Sooners' Key Lawrence forcing a big fumble near midfield with his team up 21-17.
Head coach Lance Leipold and the Jayhawks have a long way to go in terms of becoming a winning team, but they showed they can be competitive against one of the best teams in the nation.
If Leipold can execute similar game plans moving forward, Kansas will have a chance to be a problem for opponents.
What's Next?
Oklahoma will look to keep its undefeated season going next Saturday when it hosts the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Kansas will attempt to score its first Big 12 win next Saturday when it visits the No. 8 Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Kansas Opens Gates, Waives Ticket Requirement in 2nd Half of Oklahoma Upset Bid
Oct 23, 2021
LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 23: Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first quarter at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
The unranked Kansas Jayhawks held a surprising 17-14 lead over the No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners entering the fourth quarter of Saturday's game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Kansas hadn't been in such a close game against Oklahoma for decades. The Jayhawks decided to waive the ticket requirement for most of the second half to encourage fans to enter the stadium and get loud:
The gates are open on the east and west sides of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, no ticket required.
Jayhawks fans didn't disappoint. ESPN showed the stadium before and after the announcements, and there were significantly more fans.
The Sooners rallied, however, scoring 14 unanswered points to take a 21-17 lead with 12:35 remaining in the game.
Oklahoma 21, Kansas 17
It was 17-7 when Kansas opened the stadium gates to anyone and everyone. Now the Sooners have scored 14 unanswered.
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) October 23, 2021
Kansas hasn't beaten Oklahoma since October 1997.
4-Star ATH Gentry Williams Commits to Oklahoma Over Florida, Missouri, USC
Oct 18, 2021
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 14: Oklahoma football helmet on display during the Big 12 Conference football media days on July 14, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Gentry Williams, a 4-star class of 2022 football prospect who has played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back for Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, committed to play for the Oklahoma Sooners on Monday.
Per 247Sports' composite, the 6'0", 170-pound Williams ranks 37th overall in the class of 2022 and first among Oklahomans.
He received a glowing scouting report from Gabe Brooks, 247Sports' Midlands region recruiting analyst, on June 24, 2020.
"Lean, athletic build that could translate to multiple spots at the college level. Owns some frame space to continue adding bulk. Versatile athlete. High school QB and DB whose ceiling is likely highest in the secondary. Primarily plays QB but put some good snaps on tape at corner as a sophomore. Flashes impressive burst coupled with track-verified top-end speed.
"Oklahoma 6A state champion in 400 meters (47.70) and runner-up in 200 meters (21.14) as a freshman. Displays plus agility to make the first defender miss. Fluidity also shows at corner. Shows impressive turn-and-run ability. Good ball skills for a long-term DB prospect thanks to offensive experience. Adding bulk/strength and continued coverage technique development keys moving forward. Dynamic athlete with a high developmental ceiling at corner. High-major recruit with multi-year starter capability who could develop into an early-round NFL Draft prospect."
Brooks compared Williams to Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson.
He received 18 offers, including ones from Oklahoma, LSU, Georgia and Florida. In the end, he chose to become a Sooner.
Williams suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a game in September 2020 and missed the remainder of the season. He relayed the news to Bill Haisten of Tulsa World, who was told that the star athlete suffered the injury after catching a pass against Del City.
He'll join an Oklahoma recruiting class, which is headlined by 5-star DL recruit Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, that ranks seventh in the nation
5-Star DT Prospect Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy Commits to Oklahoma
Oct 12, 2021
Top defensive line prospect Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy has committed to Oklahoma, giving the team one of the elite players in the 2022 class.
The Florida native announced his decision Tuesday in an interview with Hayes Fawcett of On3.com.
“They treated me like family the whole process,” Brownlow-Dindy said of picking the Sooners. “The environment was like a small-town feel in a city like Norman, and I really enjoyed getting to know the coaches.”
Brownlow-Dindy is considered the fourth-best defensive lineman and No. 10 overall player in the country, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.
At 6'3", 280 pounds, the 5-star prospect has good size for the position and can play at multiple spots across the defensive line. He is an elite interior pass-rusher who tallied 11.5 sacks as a sophomore and continued to produce at a high level throughout his high school career.
The player is also a strong tackler who can make key stops against the run, using his strength to handle opposing offensive linemen.
Brownlow-Dindy has also benefitted from his mixed martial arts training, which he has had since he was six years old.
"That's probably what's really made me a good defensive lineman with the hand-eye coordination," he said last June, per Andrew Ivins of 247Sports. "Every time I see some hands go up, I knock them down."
He also has excellent balance on the line, which will help him at the higher levels even against stronger opponents.
It will make him a top addition for Oklahoma, with defensive line depth always an important factor in football games.
The Sooners consistently have one of the best offenses in the country, but they have fallen behind defensively, and it often costs them against quality opponents. They lost back-to-back games last year against Kansas State and Iowa State in which they allowed a combined 75 points.
Oklahoma has allowed at least 45 points in each of its last three losses in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Brownlow-Dindy had dozens of scholarship offers, including from top programs like Clemson, Ohio State, Florida, USC and more. With his upside, this decision could help shape the landscape of the Big 12 for the next few years.
Oklahoma's Riley on Spencer Rattler, Caleb Williams Battle: 'We'll See How It Goes'
Oct 12, 2021
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 09: Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs for a touchdown during the Red River Showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners on October 09, 2021 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
If Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley has chosen between Caleb Williams and Spencer Rattler, he won't say it publicly.
"We'll see how it goes Saturday," Riley told reporters Tuesday.
Rattler has been the team's starting quarterback this season, but he was benched during Saturday's game against Texas after an interception and a lost fumble. Williams took over and helped Oklahoma overcome a 38-20 halftime deficit for a 55-48 win.
"I think it's a heck of a lot more of a problem for me if I'm picking between two guys that I feel aren't ready," Riley said. "I'm picking between two really good choices that I think can both go play extremely well—and have played extremely well."
Rattler totaled 3,031 passing yards with 28 touchdowns last season, adding six rushing touchdowns in 11 games. He entered 2021 as a Heisman Trophy candidate, but he has fallen short of expectations with 1,371 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in six games, adding five interceptions.
His passer rating has dropped from 172.6 last season to 153.2 in 2021.
Oklahoma remains undefeated at 6-0, but fans have been calling for a switch, chanting "We Want Caleb" during a September win over West Virginia.
Williams is a true freshman but entered the program with high expectations as a 5-star recruit and the No. 7 overall player in the 2021 class, per 247Sports composite rankings. He is especially impressed in the win over Texas, totaling 212 passing yards and two touchdowns plus 88 rushing yards and another score.
It could lead to some tough choices ahead of next Saturday's game against TCU.
Spencer Rattler's Benching 'Had a Lot to Do with Turnovers,' Oklahoma's Riley Says
Oct 9, 2021
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) puts on the Golden Hat after coming off the bench to lead Oklahoma to a 54-48 win over Texas in an NCAA college football game at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
After Saturday's thrilling comeback victory against Texas, Oklahoma head football coach Lincoln Riley explained the decision to bench starting quarterback Spencer Rattler in favor of true freshman Caleb Williams during the second quarter.
Riley told reporters the move "really had a lot to do with turnovers" after Rattler threw an interception in the first quarter and lost a fumble in the second quarter.
The decision paid dividends, as Williams entered the game with the Sooners trailing by 18 points and led them to a 55-48 come-from-behind victory to remain undefeated.
Riley added that despite Williams' strong play, he isn't yet ready to name a starter for next week's game against TCU.
Prior to Williams taking over for Rattler, the Oklahoma offense was struggling to get going. In addition to the turnovers, Rattler was just 9-of-16 for 112 yards with no touchdowns, although he did run for a score.
Williams provided a spark before even replacing Rattler, as Riley used him on a 4th-and-1 play that saw him rush for a 66-yard touchdown:
Once he was inserted into the game for good, Williams looked poised and comfortable, going 16-of-25 for 212 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 88 yards and the aforementioned score on four carries.
Riley did choose to briefly put Rattler back in the game for the two-point attempt after Williams threw a touchdown pass to Marvin Mims in the fourth quarter to get the Sooners within two.
Rattler successfully converted the try with a throw to Drake Stoops, and Riley gave him credit after the game.
Also, despite Williams' excellent play, Riley said he thought about putting Rattler back in for the final drive of the game: "I thought a lot about it. I have a lot of confidence in both guys. I basically went with what I felt."
Riley stuck with Williams after Texas tied it 48-48 with 1:23 remaining, though, and he drove the Sooners down the field and set up running back Kennedy Brooks' game-winning touchdown run with one second left.
Rattler led Oklahoma to a 5-0 record to open the season and had solid production, completing 76.3 percent of his passes for 1,260 yards and 10 touchdowns with four interceptions to go along with 95 yards and two scores on the ground.
Even so, Oklahoma fans called for Williams in previous games, as four of the Sooners' first five wins were by only one score despite facing no ranked opponents.
Williams unquestionably gave the Oklahoma offense a much-needed shot in the arm, and that fact alone should make Riley consider going with the freshman over a quarterback who entered the season as a Heisman Trophy hopeful.
Spencer Rattler Benched for Caleb Williams in 1st Half of Oklahoma vs. Texas
Oct 9, 2021
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 09: Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the Texas Longhorns during the 2021 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 09, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Oklahoma head football coach Lincoln Riley benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler in favor of true freshman Caleb Williams during the second quarter of Saturday's Red River Rivalry game against Texas.
The move was made after a Rattler lost fumble helped the Longhorns extend their lead to 35-17 with a touchdown.
Prior to getting lifted from the game, Rattler was just 8-of-15 for 111 yards with an interception as well as the lost fumble.
The Sooners are the No. 6 team in the nation with a 5-0 record, but Rattler has been under fire throughout the campaign.
Four of their wins were by seven points or less, and none were against ranked opponents. Oklahoma beat Tulane by only five points in its opener and scored a six-point win at Kansas State last week.
Two weeks ago, Sooners fans made their desire for Williams to play clear, as they chanted for him while Rattler struggled in a 16-13 home win over West Virginia.
Despite all that, Rattler's numbers looked good, as he completed 76.3 percent of his passes for 1,260 yards and 10 touchdowns with four interceptions to go along with 95 yards and two scores on the ground.
Still, the Sooners offense had a different energy with Williams on the field Saturday, and that was apparent even before he took over.
With OU trailing Texas 28-7 in the second quarter, Williams seized some momentum with a 66-yard touchdown run on 4th-and-1:
Rattler led the Sooners to a field goal on their next drive, but then he fumbled, and Riley went in a different direction.
Williams, who starred at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., was a highly touted recruit.
Per 247Sports, Williams was the No. 7 player and No. 2 quarterback in the 2021 class, making him an instant threat to Rattler.
With Riley at the helm, Oklahoma has grown accustomed to elite quarterback play from Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts in recent years, and it simply wasn't getting that out of Rattler on Saturday.
Now, the focus will shift toward whether Riley will consider making Williams the full-time starter.
Spencer Rattler Discusses Being Booed by Oklahoma Fans: 'I Don't Listen to 'Em'
Sep 26, 2021
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) passes against West Virginia during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Before Oklahoma escaped Saturday's game against West Virginia with a 16-13 victory, the crowd at Owen Field let Spencer Rattler know they were unhappy with the quarterback's performance.
Speaking to ESPN's Holly Rowe after the game, Rattler addressed being booed by the hometown fans.
"I don't worry about that at all," Rattler said. "I don't listen to 'em. They're not on the field."
Amid a sluggish start against the Mountaineers, Rattler threw an interception to Jackie Matthews late in the second quarter with the score tied at seven.
Sooners fans broke out in a chant of "we want Caleb" after the turnover, a reference to backup quarterback Caleb Williams. The true freshman from Washington, D.C., was rated as a 5-star prospect and the No. 7 overall player in the 2021 recruiting class by 247Sports' composite rankings.
Head coach Lincoln Riley didn't make the switch to Williams, though Rattler didn't exactly respond like a house of fire. The sophomore did lead the offense to three drives that ended in field goals, including the game-winner as time expired, in the second half to avoid an early-season upset loss in Big 12 play.
But Rattler's final stat line of 256 yards on 26-of-36 passing with one touchdown and one interception wasn't inspiring. He entered this week with 761 yards passing, seven touchdowns, two interceptions and a 74.7 completion percentage.
For a player who entered the 2021 campaign as the odds-on-favorite to win the Heisman and potentially be the No. 1 overall pick in next year's NFL draft, Rattler's play has been a disappointment to this point.
There's still time for Rattler to get things back on track, but Saturday's reaction from the Norman crowd indicates their patience is running thin with the lackluster offense right now.
5-Star WR DeAndre Moore Jr. Commits to Oklahoma over Alabama, More
Sep 24, 2021
The Oklahoma Sooners are known for their aerial attack, and Friday they added a talented player who may help them maintain that passing game in the future.
Hayes Fawcett of On3 reported wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. joined Oklahoma's 2023 class over Oregon, Florida State, USC and Alabama.
Moore is a 5-star prospect and the No. 33 player, No. 3 wide receiver and No. 4 player from California in the class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
"Oklahoma has really been on my mind since eighth grade, which a lot of people don't know," Moore said, per Fawcett. "They offered me Feb. 3 of my freshman year, and since then we've been able to build a really strong connection. That's the place I feel the most comfortable with, and I could see myself there for years to come."
Fawcett noted two of Moore's teammates at Los Alamitos High School (Malachi Nelson and Makai Lemon) are also committed to Oklahoma.
This is an example of the rich getting richer on the recruiting trail, as the Sooners have the No. 1 class in the country for 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings. Players in that class will likely have a chance to compete in the SEC with the program set to switch conferences from the Big 12 in 2025.
Moore also plays safety, and Greg Biggins of 247Sports pointed to his physicality and tendency to be around the ball.
Still, the Sooners are an offensive powerhouse under head coach Lincoln Riley and can use Moore's fluidity and strong hands.
His experience as a defender also figures to help him on underneath routes and in jump-ball situations. If he lives up to expectations, he could be part of the wide receiver rotation as soon as his freshman season.
