The Oklahoma Sooners sit #3 in the current edition of the College Football Playoff rankings, and there's no doubt in our minds that they're just one win way from cementing their spot in the final four. When they they do that (not if), we're 100% on board with the notion that starting QB Baker Mayfield will be vaulted to the top of the Heisman rankings. Here's 3 reasons why...
3. The Best Player With The Biggest Impact
Just six weeks ago, Oklahoma's offense wasn't even mentioned by national pundits in the same breath of Baylor, TCU, and even Texas Tech. However, Mayfield has captained an absolute offensive explosion for the Sooners since then that's been nothing short of breathtaking. Oklahoma has scored 306 points over a five-game winning streak, averaging out to 51 points per contest. Mayfield has played a direct hand in 147 of those points, or 48% of their scoring output.
That's not even to mention just what the threat of his arm does to soften opposing run defenses for Samaje Perine to take advantage. 19 touchdown throws, 2 rushing TDs and just two interceptions over his last 22 quarters is the mark of a Heisman winner -- productive, unflappable and on point when the games take on more meaning late in the season.
2. Proving Ground
Mayfield's stellar performance against Baylor is only the tip of the iceberg. He'll have one more shot to make a gigantic statement on the national stage against a vulnerable Oklahoma State secondary. He's too good for that flawed defense to hold him down. Consequently, if Mayfield ends up slaying all three of OU's biggest Big 12 contenders (Baylor, TCU, OSU), OU simply CAN'T be passed up for a CFP spot and Mayfield simply CAN'T be denied a Heisman for his Herculean efforts.
BONUS: Here's an amazing new hype video, courtesy of the official Oklahoma Sooners Twitter:
1. It's Oklahoma
When you are undeniably the biggest offensive weapon on an Oklahoma team that may be College Football Playoff-bound, you belong (at the very least) near the top of the Heisman list. That's the clout that the Sooners have earned with decades upon decades of proven success. Add in the fact that Mayfield is posting out-of-this-world numbers and making opposing defenses look like junior varsity castoffs, and you have the recipe for a Heisman favorite going away.
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