The 2016 Oklahoma Sooners Football Roster: A Year to Remember
The 2016 Oklahoma Sooners football team was a squad to watch, with a talented roster that boasted 17 returning starters from the previous season. Under the leadership of head coach Bob Stoops, the team aimed to build on their successful 2015 campaign, which saw them finish the regular season with a 10-2 record and a No. 4 ranking in the AP poll. With a blend of seasoned veterans and young talent, the Sooners were poised for a breakout season that would ultimately earn them a Sugar Bowl victory over Ole Miss. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the key players, stats, and highlights from the 2016 Oklahoma Sooners football roster.
Returning Starters and Key Players
The Sooners' roster boasted a impressive 17 returning starters, including several key players who played critical roles in their success the previous season. Here are a few notable returning starters:
* Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who led the team in passing yards (3,521) and touchdowns (36) in 2015
* Running back Joe Mixon, who rushed for 1,274 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman
* Wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who caught 99 passes for 1,288 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015
* Defensive back Howard Matthews, who led the team with 93 tackles and 3 interceptions
These players, along with several others, formed the backbone of the Sooners' offense and defense.
Offensive Stats and Highlights
The Sooners' offense was one of the most potent in the Big 12, led by Mayfield's impressive passing numbers and Mixon's dominating rushing performance. Here are a few key stats and highlights from the team's 2016 season:
* The Sooners averaged 37.8 points per game, second in the Big 12 only to Baylor
* Mayfield threw for 3,965 yards, the third-most in the country
* Mixon rushed for 1,274 yards, the fourth-most in the country
* The Sooners' offense scored 20+ points in 10 of their 13 games
Some notable highlights from the team's 2016 season include:
* Mayfield's 435-yard, 5-touchdown performance against Oklahoma State
* Mixon's 261-yard, 2-touchdown performance against West Virginia
* The Sooners' 62-52 win over West Virginia, in which Mayfield threw for 536 yards and 4 touchdowns
Defensive Stats and Highlights
The Sooners' defense was a strong unit, led by Howard Matthews' impressive tackling and interception numbers. Here are a few key stats and highlights from the team's 2016 season:
* The Sooners allowed 22.3 points per game, second in the Big 12 only to Baylor
* Matthews led the team with 93 tackles and 3 interceptions
* Defensive tackle Charles Walker led the team with 10 tackles for loss
* The Sooners' defense held opponents to 20+ points in 10 of their 13 games
Some notable highlights from the team's 2016 season include:
* The Sooners' 31-0 shutout of Texas Tech, in which they held the Red Raiders to just 245 total yards
* The Sooners' 45-40 win over Baylor, in which Matthews intercepted a Jalen Hurd pass to seal the win
* The Sooners' 40-6 win over Kansas State, in which Walker recorded 2 tackles for loss
Sugar Bowl Victory
The Sooners' 2016 season culminated in a Sugar Bowl victory over Ole Miss, a 35-19 win that marked the team's first Sugar Bowl title since 1976. Mayfield was named the Sugar Bowl MVP, throwing for 295 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game. The Sooners' victory capped off a successful season that saw them finish with a 11-2 record and a No. 6 ranking in the AP poll.
Post-Season Awards and Honors
Several members of the Sooners' 2016 team earned post-season awards and honors, including:
* Baker Mayfield, who was named a Heisman Trophy finalist
* Baker Mayfield, who was named the Big 12's Player of the Year
* Baker Mayfield, who was named the Sugar Bowl MVP
* Charles Walker, who was named a Freshman All-American
The 2016 Oklahoma Sooners football team was a talented unit that boasted a blend of seasoned veterans and young talent. With a strong roster and a solid game plan, the team was able to achieve a successful season that culminated in a Sugar Bowl victory over Ole Miss. As the team looks to the future, fans are eager to see what the next season will bring.
