Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield got a lot of attention as the first true freshman walk-on to start the season opener as quarterback for Texas Tech in the 2013 season. Mayfield quickly made a name for his self in his short time at Texas Tech and even received honors such as Big 12 Conference Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. But even after proving himself to be a super star he never received a scholarship while at Texas Tech. Mayfield drew even more attention when he transferred to the University of Oklahoma for the 2014 football season.
Even after Sooners starting quarterback Trevor Knight’s incredible MVP performance in last year’s Sugar Bowl against Alabama, Mayfield knew he wanted to play for the Sooners. After proving his worth in practice Mayfield was quickly put on scholarship at Oklahoma, something he could never attain at Texas Tech. Unfortunately because of standard Big 12 transfer policies his immediate eligibility was denied and Mayfield had to sit out the 2014 football season leaving him on the sidelines to cheer on his new teammates. Even though Mayfield can’t travel with the team because of eligibility policies, that won’t stop him from making his way down to Lubbock on his own to be with the Sooners team this Saturday.
With a 6-3 record and going off two back-to-back losses at home, the Sooners desperately need this win against 3-6 Texas Tech. The Sooners are now unranked and need this game to end in their favor. Mayfield spent this past week as the Sooners’ scout-team quarterback in hopes to give the team insight on former teammate and current Texas Tech quarterback Davis Webb. It’s hard for Oklahoma fans not to wonder if Mayfield were eligible would he be starting on Saturday with Knight’s injury from their 48-14 loss to Baylor, instead of back up Cody Thomas.
The Big XII match up on Saturday has a lot of meaning for both teams; especially for Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield. It will be a unique feeling for Mayfield to be back in Lubbock at Jones AT&T stadium with his new team. Although this time he will have to be on the sidelines hoping the Sooners can get the win against his former teammates. Let’s hope Red Raider fans aren’t too hard on him.
*Section Photo credit to Cooper Neill, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to LM Otero, Associated Press
