The 2018 college football season stood as a defining chapter for the Oklahoma Sooners program. Operating under head coach Lincoln Riley, the team entered the fall with immense offensive firepower, national championship aspirations, and the daunting task of replacing Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield at quarterback. Fans and analysts scrutinized every matchup on the slate, knowing that a single misstep in the competitive Big 12 Conference could derail their playoff hopes.
Examining the Oklahoma 2018 football schedule reveals a demanding campaign filled with high-stakes rivalry clashes, explosive offensive performances, and a resilient postseason push. This breakdown explores the Sooners' journey week by week, analyzing key games, pivotal turning points, and the statistical milestones that shaped a memorable 12-2 season.
Preseason Expectations and Roster Dynamics
Entering the autumn of 2018, expectations in Norman reached a fever pitch. The Sooners were coming off a stellar 2017 campaign that culminated in a thrilling Rose Bowl appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals. While Mayfield departed for the NFL, the coaching staff secured a premier replacement through transfer quarterback Kyler Murray, alongside redshirt freshman backup and future star Jalen Hurts (who remained at Alabama for that season before transferring later).
National pundits offered sharply divided forecasts. Outlets like ESPN projected Oklahoma as the clear favorite to capture another Big 12 title, citing returning weapons like wide receiver Marquise Brown and tight end/h-back CeeDee Lamb. Conversely, skeptics questioned whether Murray could replicate Mayfield's historic efficiency and vocal leadership. These contrasting outlooks placed immediate pressure on the Sooners' early non-conference slate to establish an offensive identity.
Non-Conference Slate: Establishing Momentum
The Sooners opened their 2018 campaign at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, hosting the Florida Atlantic Owls.
- Week 1 vs. Florida Atlantic (Won 63-14): Kyler Murray dazzled in his debut as the full-time starter, accounting for three total touchdowns in limited action. Running back Rodney Anderson added blistering runs, setting a dominant tone for an offense that racked up over 650 total yards.
- Week 2 at UCLA (Won 49-21): Traveling to the Rose Bowl, Oklahoma faced a struggling Bruins squad under first-year coach Chip Kelly. The Sooners built a commanding early lead, coasting to a comfortable victory while testing depth players in the second half.
- Week 3 vs. Iowa State (Won 37-27): Returning home for their final non-conference tune-up, the Sooners dispatched the Cyclones in a tighter contest than anticipated. Iowa State's physical defense exposed minor vulnerabilities in Oklahoma's rushing attack, foreshadowing the defensive struggles that would plague the team during conference play.
Big 12 Conference Play: Shootouts and Defensive Struggles
Once conference play commenced, the Sooners experienced a gauntlet of high-scoring affairs where their historic offense had to repeatedly bail out a struggling defense under coordinator Mike Stoops.
- Week 5 vs. Army (Won 28-21 in OT): This non-conference game slotted into the early Big 12 stretch proved nearly disastrous. Army's methodical triple-option offense bled the clock and exhausted the Sooners' defensive front. Oklahoma narrowly escaped an upset in overtime thanks to a crucial fourth-down stop.
- Red River Showdown vs. Texas (Lost 48-45): Played on October 6 at the Cotton Bowl, the annual rivalry lived up to its chaotic reputation. Freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger led Texas to a narrow win, kicking a game-winning field goal as time expired after Sooners mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback led by Murray's heroics.
- Bedlam Series vs. Oklahoma State (Won 48-47): In one of the wildest editions of the rivalry in Stillwater, the Sooners survived a late two-point conversion attempt by the Cowboys. The game shattered offensive records, with both teams combining for over 1,400 yards of total offense.
Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff
Finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record, Oklahoma secured a rematch against the Texas Longhorns in the Big 12 Championship Game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
- Big 12 Championship vs. Texas (Won 39-27): Seeking redemption, the Sooners cleaned up their defensive assignments and leaned heavily on Kyler Murray, who captured the game's Most Outstanding Player honors. The victory secured Oklahoma's fourth consecutive conference title and sealed a spot in the College Football Playoff.
- Orange Bowl Semifinal vs. Alabama (Lost 45-34): Pitted against the top-ranked Crimson Tide in Miami, the Sooners dug themselves into a 28-0 hole in the first quarter. Although Murray engineered a valiant second-half comeback, the early deficit proved insurmountable against Tua Tagovailoa and Nick Saban's powerhouse squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the starting quarterback for Oklahoma in 2018?
Kyler Murray served as the primary starting quarterback. He put together a historic campaign, passing for 4,361 yards, rushing for 1,001 yards, and capturing the Heisman Trophy before being selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
What was Oklahoma's final record in 2018?
The Sooners finished the season with a 12-2 overall record, capturing the Big 12 Championship and earning a berth in the Orange Bowl CFP Semifinal against Alabama.
How did Oklahoma's defense perform during the 2018 season?
The defense struggled statistically, giving up significant yardage and high point totals throughout Big 12 play. These persistent struggles prompted mid-season coaching adjustments, including the dismissal of defensive coordinator Mike Stoops after the Red River Showdown loss.
Did Oklahoma make the College Football Playoff in 2018?
Yes. Despite suffering one regular-season loss to Texas, the Sooners won the Big 12 Championship and claimed the number-four seed in the College Football Playoff, ultimately falling to Alabama.
