Freshman quarterback Caleb Williams made sure everyone in the stadium and watching on TV knew this Sooner football team was his on Saturday night.
Williams had his first start for No. 4 Oklahoma, throwing for 295 yards and four touchdowns and running for another score in the Sooners’ 52-31 victory over TCU.
The freshman got the starting nod from Coach Lincoln Riley in practice mid-week, after leading last Saturday’s come from behind nail biter win over Texas in Dallas.
Spencer Rattler had started for the Sooners in all of the previous 14 straight wins — the longest active win streak in the country.
Williams picked up where he left off from his game against the Longhorns, but this time however starting the game.
He started fast, with an opening 75-yard drive in less than three minutes and completing his first 10 passing attempts.
Williams was 18 of 23 and ran for 81 yards on nine carries. He had a spectacular 41-yard touchdown run, juking a defender at the line of scrimmage and taking off to the end zone.
But, TCU QB Max Duggan set a career record with 336 yards passing and four touchdowns against an injury depleted Sooner secondary.
“The secondary battled. We got out of position a few times. At yet a couple of times they just made great competitive plays and we were in position,” Riley said said.
The secondary play was affected early on with an injury to D.J. Graham. He joined starting safety Delarrin Turner-Yell and cornerback Woodi Washington on the injured list.
The coaches said they hoped the return of other injured players during the next few weeks would alleviate concerns about passing defense.
Riley said the decision to start Williams over Rattler occurred mid-week. He said the quarterback controversy that had the attention of Oklahoma fans on social media and in the local press was not as tumultuous within the walls of the team.
“The outside perceptions of what went on here this week and what went on her this week could not be more opposite,” Riley said.
“All that junk that was reported from the outside, I did not see that from either of these guys all week. They were both focused and ready to help the team however they were called on,” Riley said.
“Caleb got the opportunity tonight and obviously did a great job with it. I am confident had Spencer gotten the opportunity, the way he practiced he would have played very well also.”
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