Maine – Soonerguys

Sooners get what they needed — a 59-14 easy rider

Published on November 2, 2024 by admin

A career 203-yard day for running back Jovantae Barnes led Oklahoma to a 59-14 walloping of the Maine Black Bears to snap a three-game losing streak — a much needed easy day for the Sooners (5-4, 1-4 SEC), who moved a game closer to bowl eligibility with the win.

The non-conference matchup allowed Oklahoma to improve its rushing game, something plagued by injuries and poor performances along the offensive line much of this season.

“It feels good, but I can’t celebrate so much,” Barnes said. “I think it’s a good moment to build off of this as an offense, as a team, and go on to next week’s practice and just work. So it was a good start to something.”

Barnes erupted in the first quarter with a 74-yard run down the Maine sideline to set up the Sooner’s first touchdown, tying the game at 7-7. After that there was no looking back. He had 158 yards on 11 carries in the first half alone. The last time an Oklahoma back rushed for at least 150 in a half was Samaje Perine who had 222 in 2014 against Kansas.

Meanwhile, QB Jackson Arnold had a good day, especially finding WR J.J. Hester. Hester caught three passes in the first half, including a career-high 98-yard touchdown, his first since transferring to OU in 2022. He finished the game with four catches for 112 yards.

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Dave: Sooners need a game like Maine after second half collapse at Ol’ Miss

Published on October 31, 2024 by Dave

Whether it was the new play caller or a new starting quarterback, the offense finally showed some life
against Ole Miss last Saturday. The offensive line opened holes for Javonte Barnes to have one of the
better games of his career, and Jackson Arnold was efficient, avoided turnovers and threw two
touchdown passes.

Jo Jon Finley’s play calling was more creative and I believe put his players in a better position to make plays. Especially Arnold, who was rolled out several times for passes to compensate for the offensive line’s struggles to protect against the Rebels pass rush.

All in all, it was a pretty good first half that saw the Sooners take a 14-10 lead into the locker room. Unfortunately, there was still a second half to be played.

And whatever worked in the first thirty minutes of the game, failed miserably in the second thirty minutes. Oklahoma was unable to score in the last two quarters and Ole Miss prevailed 26-14.

In my mind, one of a couple of things happened. Our coaching staff failed to adjust to the Rebel’s halftime adjustments. Or they tried to make those adjustments, but just don’t have the personal due to continuing injuries to implement them.

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