Telling the story: OU 73, Arkansas State 0
Every play matters in a college football game but some do a better job of explaining the outcome of a game than others. Here are the five plays that told the story of Oklahoma’s 73-0 victory vs. Arkansas State.
OU 73, Arkansas State 0
Play No. 1: Gabriel goes deep
The Sooners wanted to send an early message. They did just that by winning the coin toss and electing to receive. It was time to get the offense on the field.
On the fourth play of the game, quarterback Dillon Gabriel aired it out for transfer wide receiver Andrel Anthony to make a play. He did on a 45-yard connection.
“Just in general, it’s something we had been working on,” Gabriel said. “Great to have a chunk play to lead us to our first touchdown.”
OU would score on the next play and the blowout was on. Anthony finished with three catches for 66 yards.
Play No. 2: G-Freaky returns
Gabriel and the offense didn’t even get a chance to make their mark here. After a three-and-out for Arkansas State, it was time for Gavin Freeman.
It was a solid punt, 53 yards, but then Freeman went to work. He went 82 yards for the touchdown, the first punt return score since Dede Westbrook in 2016.
“And I love an underdog story, and so do the players,” head coach Brent Venables said. “But we’ve got a bunch of guys like that. That was, any time you’re in position and can do that, that was, you want to reward guys that deserve it.”
Freeman would later catch a touchdown pass as well.
Play No. 3: Kelley stuffs ASU effort
It’s now 21-0 Sooners heading toward the end of the first quarter. Arkansas State was actually able to drive down into OU territory a couple of times. The Red Wolves just couldn’t cash in.
One reason? They got cute, and Jordan Kelley was ready.
ASU had a third-and-10 from the OU 25 yard line and attempted a run. It didn’t fool the Sooners. And it definitely didn’t fool Kelley.
The super senior was quick off the snap and had a two-yard tackle for loss. ASU would miss the ensuing field goal, and the shutout was still intact.
“I think we did a pretty good job,” defensive coordinator Ted Roof said. “I think they averaged a little over two yards per carry and a couple times the quarterback scrambled and it added to it. But overall I thought we fit well and we tackled well in the box today.”
Play No. 4: The first Arnold moment
It was 45-0 at halftime, so the second half became a showcase of the young pups. Included in that bunch was quarterback Jackson Arnold and receiver Jayden Gibson.
It’s now 52-0 with OU driving for another score. After completing a pass to three different receivers on the drive, Arnold called Gibson’s number.
He threw it up to Gibson for a 21-yard touchdown, the first-career touchdown for both guys. Gibson had to make a competitive catch and did just that.
“On that play, just saw Gib out there by himself,” Arnold said. “So I’m running a little go route, thought I’d go up there and give him a chance.”
Arnold also rushed for a touchdown and Gibson had two grabs for 54 yards.
Play No. 5: Walker rips it away
All that was missing was some turnovers. Let Kani Walker change all that. On the very first ASU offensive play after Arnold’s touchdown pass, Walker showed what he can do.
Walker and Peyton Bowen were combining on a tackle when Walker ripped the ball away and secured it to the ground. It was a play very reminiscent of what Caleb Kelly did vs. Texas in 2021 on a kickoff. A fumble that never hits the ground because ripped it right out.
“He came in there and made the most of his opportunity,” linebacker Danny Stutsman said. “He’s talked about it. That’s a dude who makes plays throughout practice. To see him make a play like that was awesome.”
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