When Patrick Mahomes threw for 734 yards and lost to Baker Mayfield, it marked a historic moment in college football. This Monday night, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated match featuring these two quarterbacks. Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, will go up against Mayfield, the current leader in touchdown passes in the NFL.
The NFL rivalry between Mahomes and Mayfield has already seen three matchups, with Mahomes securing victories in each. However, their most memorable encounter took place on October 22, 2016, during a thrilling college football game where Mahomes, playing for Texas Tech, hosted Mayfield and the Oklahoma Sooners.
In that game, both teams displayed incredible offensive prowess, scoring touchdowns on ten consecutive drives in the second half. Mayfield ended the night with an impressive 545 passing yards and a school-record seven touchdowns, while Mahomes attempted a staggering 88 passes, completing 52 for a record-tying 734 yards and seven total touchdowns, including two rushing.
Ultimately, Bob Stoops’ Sooners triumphed over Kliff Kingsbury’s Red Raiders with a final score of 66-59. The game remains etched in history, as both teams combined for a staggering 1,708 yards of total offense—a record that still stands. This clash not only showcased the talents of Mayfield and Mahomes but also solidified their reputations as two of college football’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
RJ Young, a national college football analyst for FOX Sports, noted the significance of this game in shaping their futures: “That performance helped Baker Mayfield secure the Heisman Trophy the following year and put Mahomes on the radar for NFL teams.” This pivotal game laid the groundwork for their successful careers, highlighting the bright futures that awaited both players.
The atmosphere during the game was electric, especially as Mayfield returned to Lubbock, where he began his college journey as a walk-on. Fans wore T-shirts emblazoned with “TRAITOR,” showcasing the intensity of the rivalry. Mayfield, known for his charisma, embraced the hostile environment, feeding off the energy from the crowd.
FELDMAN: “Baker was polarizing. When he came out on the field, you heard the chants: ‘F— you, Baker!’ He soaked it all in like a pro wrestling character.” The tension and excitement added to the drama of the game, making it unforgettable for players and fans alike.
DIMITRI FLOWERS, an Oklahoma fullback from that game, reflected on the atmosphere: “The environment on the field was absolutely insane. Baker was self-motivated and thrived on proving the doubters wrong.” This game exemplified the fierce competition and spirit that college football is known for.
Despite the high scores, Texas Tech only held the lead once during the game, illustrating the relentless back-and-forth nature of the contest. Offensive plays dominated, with punters remaining on the sidelines as both teams pushed the pace.
ERIC MORRIS, then the Texas Tech offensive coordinator, shared his thoughts on the game: “It was just back and forth. Nobody could stop the other. It was exhausting.” The intensity of the competition kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
FLOWERS: “Both quarterbacks were improvising, making plays happen. It was a spectacle.” The game became a showcase of talent, with both Mahomes and Mayfield displaying their remarkable skills.
NICK BASQUINE, a Sooners receiver, recalled the exhaustion of the game: “You just tried to catch your breath before it was time to go back out there.” The rapid pace of scoring kept players and fans alike engaged throughout the thrilling contest.
REGINALD DAVIS, a Texas Tech receiver, expressed his disappointment: “We broke records, but I wish we could have won.” The game was not only a showcase of individual talent but also a testament to the fierce rivalry between the two programs.
GILES: “If Pat was excited, Baker was just as hyped. The energy was palpable.” This game is remembered not just for the records but for the unforgettable experience it provided to everyone involved.
Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports, having covered the Buccaneers for over a decade. Follow him on Twitter at @gregauman for more insights on the NFL.
