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Oklahoma is looking for its sixth consecutive Big 12 title on Saturday, and the Sooners are off to a good start. They lead 24-7 at the half.
OU jumped out to a 17-0 lead thanks to a pair of touchdowns and a 54-yard field goal by kicker Gabe Brkic.
The first score of the day came on a keeper by third string quarterback Chandler Morris, which was a new wrinkle in the offense from head coach Lincoln Riley. Morris is the son of former Arkansas head coach Chad Morris.
Here’s the play:
The hometown kid punches in the first score! @Chandleram4 🥊
📺 ABC | https://t.co/euHLlc2asY pic.twitter.com/RgB7iadK1N
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) December 19, 2020
Oklahoma’s second touchdown came on a 45-yard bomb from quarterback Spencer Rattler to freshman receiver Marvin Mims. Rattler started the game 12-of-16 for 163 yards and this touchdown:
Couldn't have drawn it up any better 🎯 pic.twitter.com/XZ7MUED3yp
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 19, 2020
Things got interesting with the Sooners up 17-0. On Iowa State’s next drive, facing a 4th and 2, Cyclones coach Matt Campbell lost his temper on the officials after ISU didn’t get an offsides call.
MATT CAMPBELL IS LOSING HIS MIND pic.twitter.com/DSX5tDZjg4
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) December 19, 2020
Campbell’s frustration with the officiating stems back to the first play of the game when freshman safety Isheem Young was ejected from the game for targeting. Young was the Co-defensive freshman of the year in the Big 12.
Iowa State ended up converting on 4th and 2 on the next play, but the drive ended with an interception in the end zone.
However, the Cyclones got on the board with a touchdown catch by Norman, Okla. native Charlie Kolar late in the first half. Oklahoma was able to respond with a rushing touchdown by Rattler thanks to a long kick off return by cornerback Tre Brown.
That made the score 24-7 with under a minute to go in the half, and the Cyclones opted to take a knee and go to the locker room.
Oklahoma has mostly dominated the Big 12 since 2015, but Iowa State has been the occasional exception. Campbell’s Cyclones have twice defeated the Sooners, the most of any conference opponent in that span.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.