NORMAN, Okla. – It will be a Bedlam for the ages.
Fans on both sides are anxious to find out if OU quarterback Baker Mayfield will start Saturday night against Oklahoma State.
On Monday, University of Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops wouldn’t say for sure if Mayfield will be healthy to play.
Mayfield said he hasn’t had a headache since shortly after halftime Saturday night, and he’s been watching film getting ready for Bedlam.
Anticipation is running high for Saturday’s game as Mayfield is still not a guaranteed starter.
The Heisman hopeful suffered a concussion Saturday night against TCU when Mayfield was targeted by TCU linebacker Ty Summers.
Seconds after the hit, the quarterback reached up to grab his head.
“I hated having to sit out for those seniors who have put in the work in such a big game like that, our last home game,” Mayfield said.
Mayfield stuck it out until halftime when he finally told trainers he had a headache and ringing in his ears.
“I took the hit and didn’t have the headache symptom ’til later,” Mayfield said.
Doctors say that is common with head injuries.
By the end of the TCU game, Mayfield said he felt fine.
“I felt normal and I was out there celebrating with the guys when we got the victory,” Mayfield said.
So far, Mayfield has passed two so-called concussion tests.
“There certainly is optimism but there’s a protocol we have to go through, some serial testing and progression of activity, we’re in the midst of that now,” Sooners trainer Scott Anderson said.
“If he continues this way with no issues like he’s had yesterday and so far today, then he’s expected to play,” Coach Bob Stoops said.
Doctors like Jason Leinen treat athletes for head injuries all the time. Dr. Leinen says the trainers will be carefully monitoring Mayfield right up until game time.
“You look at things like their memory, their processing, their thinking and recall, those kind of things but also their neurologic exam – how they’re focusing and tracking with their eyes,” Dr. Leinen said.
Mayfield said before Saturday, he hadn’t had a concussion in five years, back when he was in high school.
He said this one felt different because his symptoms didn’t show up right away.