OU Football: Stoops & Mayfield Praise Play Of Offensive Line

So much for smooth sailing to start the season for the Oklahoma Sooners.

For only the third time under Bob Stoops, the Sooners dropped their opening game of the season, falling 33-23 to the up-and-coming Houston Cougars in front of a nationally televised audience. 

Related: Highlights From Bob Stoops' Weekly Press Conference

There's a plethora of problems that can be blamed for Houston's upset of the then No. 3 Sooners: lack of separation for OU's receivers, costly personal foul penalties, detrimental use of timeouts, poor tackling, a kick return off a missed field goal.

The list goes on and on. 

After an okay first half, Oklahoma's offense failed to get in much of a rhythm after intermission, scoring only six points in the final two quarters while quarterback Baker Mayfield rarely looked comfortable in the pocket. Despite the issues, neither Coach Stoops or Mayfield pointed the finger at the offensive line.

In fact, it was just the opposite. 

“You know, the offensive line was one of the better groups that we had on both sides of the ball in how they played," Coach Stoops said. "Jonathan Alvarez and Orlando Brown were really standouts in having great games. With all that they were throwing at us, the offensive line really picked it up and did a good job.”

With Mayfield tucking the ball and scrambling much more than normal, there are some who believe the front line failed to adequately block. But along with his coach, Mayfield expressed confidence in his blockers. 

“I think they played great," Mayfield said of his line. "Offensively we didn’t have any busts at all which is great to see in the first game like that, in a big game. They took care of their business and they executed, making plays when they had the opportunity."

Along with complimenting the line, Mayfield took blame for the Sooners' offensive woes while also defending his receivers.

"I've just got to be better. I know what to expect of myself, and knowing how the team reacts to my play, it's even more important," Mayfield said. "Just getting the ball out and keeping everybody on a positive note and keeping the attitude good and on the bright side is important for me, and ultimately, that's getting the ball out of my hands, getting it into their hands and letting them make plays."

It's a good sign when one of the Sooners' team captains voluntarily shoulders the blame, especially when there's still plenty of time to turn things around. Oklahoma only dropped to No. 14 in the AP Poll and No. 13 in the Amway Coaches Poll, so it wouldn't be much of a stretch to say the Sooners could be back in the mix if they take care of business against No. 3 Ohio State next Saturday in Norman.