Oklahoma claims 2nd straight Big 12 title with win over Oklahoma State
NORMAN, Okla. - Baker Mayfield passed for 288 yards and three touchdowns, and No. 9 Oklahoma defeated No. 10 Oklahoma State 38-20 on Saturday in a matchup that decided the Big 12 champion.
The Heisman Trophy candidate performed well throughout, despite finishing the game without top receiver Dede Westbrook, a Biletnikoff Award finalist. Westbrook caught four passes for 111 yards before being knocked out of the game on a crushing hit by Oklahoma State safety Jordan Sterns.
Samaje Perine rambled for 239 yards on 37 carries for the Sooners (10-2, 9-0 Big 12, No. 9 College Football Playoff), who won their 10th Big 12 title under coach Bob Stoops.
Mason Rudolph completed just 11-of-25 passes for 186 yards for Oklahoma State (9-3, 7-2, No. 10 CFP). His top target for the season, James Washington, caught just two passes for 50 yards on eight targets.
It was the second straight time the teams met in the regular-season finale to determine the conference champion. Oklahoma beat the Cowboys 58-23 last season.
THE TAKEAWAY
OKLAHOMA STATE: It was an especially bitter defeat for the Cowboys, who have become so close to turning the tide against their biggest rival. The Cowboys had last won the Big 12 in 2011, and they have struggled to win big games against the Sooners. Even with Westbrook out and Perine being knocked out briefly after a helmet-to-helmet hit, the Cowboys were unable to gain control of the game.
OKLAHOMA: Mayfield strengthened his case as a Heisman contender, and the Sooners added a second straight win over a highly ranked opponent. Mayfield finished fourth in the Heisman balloting last year, but he didn't get an invitation to New York for the ceremony. His case is stronger now.
UP NEXT
OKLAHOMA STATE: Bowl game to be determined.
OKLAHOMA: Likely to the Sugar Bowl.