NEW ORLEANS—Oklahoma’s All-America quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield will be the biggest star —and the biggest question mark—when the second-seeded Sooners play third seed Georgia in the College Football Playoff semi-finals Monday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Mayfield admitted he has been dealing with “flu like” symptoms after making an impromptu appearance 15 minutes into the game’s media day sessions Saturday. Mayfield missed two days of media availability at Disneyland and a round of interviews Wednesday and Thursday because of an undisclosed illness but said he decided to show up after he saw reports that he wouldn’t be there on TV in his room at the team hotel.
“That’s when I realized this isn’t about me,” Mayfield said. “It’s about Oklahoma. My teammates shouldn’t have to answer questions on my behalf.”
He got a driver from the team hotel to bring him so he could clear up any misunderstandings.
The Heisman Trophy winner has been limited in practice on the Coast because his “energy level is not normal for him right now,” coach Lincoln Riley said. Riley made it clear that Mayfield’s status was not in question but he kept the status of his best player shrouded in mystery.
“He’ll be ready to play,” Riley said. “Will he be at 100 percent physically? We’ll see. He’s not going to miss this one.”
Mayfield’s voice was hoarse. He said he got sick around Christmas, most likely getting washed out because of the Heisman victory tour. Mayfield said he has been coughing and doesn’t have a ton of energy. “I’m not dying, but I’m not feeling 100 percent right now,” he said, adding he’s been taking antibiotics and drinking coffee with lemon and honey because he was “sick of drinking tea.’’
“I’m feeling a bit better, he said. “Yesterday, I felt great. The best I’ve felt in a while.’’
Mayfield’s health will go a long way toward determining whether the Sooners advance to their first CFP championship game.
The sixth-year senior has been the driving force during Oklahoma run to the Big 12 title and a spot in the playoff. He has thrown for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns with just five interceptions this season, completing 71 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 310 yards and five touchdowns, making him a dual threat the SEC champions’ defense must account for.
The Dawgs has never faced a diverse offense with this many weapons. Aside from Mayfield’s option abilities, the Sooners have made the best use of six receivers, including fullback Dimitri Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. Flowers had seven catches for 92 yards in a win over Ohio State at Columbus. Andrews was the Sooners’ leading receiver this year and spent most of his time in the slot, where his 6-5, 265-pound body and smooth route running present problems.
“We’re preparing for Baker Mayfield and I would expect him to be at his best,’’ Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “The kid is a winner. He is a gunslinger. He is every defensive coordinator’s nightmare.’’