Oklahoma was No. 9 heading into Saturday's football action and escaped with a close win against Big 12 foe Kansas State, but the Sooner have some major issues, specifically on defense. And it's concerning because backup QBs have had their ways with the Oklahoma defensive unit.
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In the Sooners' Big 12 opener, Baylor's Zach Smith, who took over as the starter after Anu Soloman struggled for the Bears' first two games, torched Oklahoma for 463 yards and four touchdowns on 33-of-50 passing attempts. He hasn't thrown for over 300 yards any other times this season, and has thrown at least one interception in each of his starts heading into Baylor's matchup with West Virginia Saturday night.
Oklahoma still won 49-41, but it was a concerning showing against a Baylor team that has yet to win and has only had two other one-score games this year — against FCS Liberty and Texas-San Antonio.
A week later, Iowa State upset the Sooners 38-31, again led by a backup. Kyle Kempt finished 18-of-24 for 343 yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead touchdown with just over two minutes left.
Technically, a week later Oklahoma faced another backup quarterback against Texas. Sam Ehlinger, who's since earned the starting job for the Longhorns, threw for 278 yards and a score on 19-of-39 attempts and ran it 22 times for 110 yards and another score. Oklahoma won 29-24, but blew a 30-point lead during the game.
And then Saturday Alex Delton, Jesse Ertz's backup at Kansas State, nearly led the Wildcats to an upset over Oklahoma, going 12-of-14 for 144 yards through the air with a touchdown and an interception and carrying the ball 26 times for 161 yards and three scores.
Oklahoma scored a late touchdown to win 42-35.
In every Big 12 game this season Oklahoma has let inexperienced quarterbacks have their way with the Sooner defense. Outside of Ehlinger, the list of QBs to have a big day is full of unknowns.
Luckily for Oklahoma, Baker Mayfield has been magnificent, and his Heisman-worthy season is keeping the Sooners in the playoff hunt even after a disappointing loss to Iowa State.
Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech next week. Perhaps the Red Raiders should sit Nic Shimonek in favor of a young gun off of the bench?
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