Manny Johnson wasn’t licking his chops when he walked onto Owen Field Saturday night, but he should have been. TCU was about to present him with the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Horned Frogs have this thing about allowing teams to run the ball. No matter what, it will sell its soul and a couple safeties to make sure it doesn’t happen.
If you’re an Oklahoma receiver, it’s what you want to see.
“They were playing us in man-to-man and when they do that you have a pretty good chance to score,” Johnson said after the second-ranked Sooners’ 35-10 victory over the Horned Frogs.
Johnson had one of the games players dream about. One of those games that go into the history books. His five catches for 206 yards broke the OU record. The three that went for touchdowns proved to be the difference in the game.
Just about every time he touched the ball something big happened. The touchdown grabs went for 76, 55 and 63 yards. Those were also his first three receptions.
He remained humble. His coach couldn’t help but gush, though.
“I told him that’s one of the best performances by a wide receiver we have had in 10 years,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “It ranks up there with anybody we’ve had … That’s a pretty special night.”
Johnson surpassed Mark Clayton’s 190-yard performance against Texas in 2003 to claim the record for receiving yards in a game. Clayton was an All-American that season.
Johnson hasn’t gained that kind of status. He took a back seat to Malcolm Kelly and Juaquin Iglesias the previous two seasons. Even this season, Johnson’s senior year, has seen redshirt freshman Ryan Broyles jump to breakout status.
There’s really a pick-your-poison element to OU’s pass offense. Through the first four games, at least one receiver has come up with 99 receiving yards in every game. Johnson’s effort Saturday night marked the second time he’s surpassed that mark.
“Manny is a guy that can really hurt you. We all knew that,” Iglesias said. “He’s a guy that can make big plays and he took advantage of the opportunities they gave him.”
OU Sports
Related Photos
-
KEVIN ELLIS
Discussion
Big game for Manny
- OU Sports
-
-
OU reeling from stunning loss to Texas Tech
As Oklahoma’s players headed toward the exit at United Spirit Arena on Saturday night, most had dazed looks on their faces. The 65-47 loss to Texas Tech was something they didn’t see coming....
-
Husky challenge
No time might seem like a good time to face Connecticut. The Huskies are always terrific and this season will enter Lloyd Noble Center likely ranked No. 2 following Notre Dame’s Sunday loss to West Virginia....
-
Sooners put finishing touches on perfect opener
Oklahoma capped off a perfect opening weekend of softball on Sunday with an 11-1 victory over Kent State. The Sooners were led by another strong outing from pitcher Keilani Rickets and an offensive explosion by Allee Allen....
-
Illinois halts OU’s upset
ITHACA, N.Y. — Oklahoma was not upset at the National Duals on Sunday. It did, however, leave disappointed....
-
Sooners fall flat against Raiders
LUBBOCK, Texas — All that progress Oklahoma believes it has been making didn’t make the trip to Texas Tech on Saturday. The Sooners moonwalked their way to a 65-47 loss at United Spirit Arena that easily qualified as the season’s worst ...
-
Sooners narrowly avoid handing Tigers their first win in Big 12 play
Morgan Hook hit the free throws and Kaylon Williams blocked the shot, grabbed the rebound, got fouled and made one of two from the stripe to put the game away....
-
Winning is only option
Every locker room in college basketball has the same topic floating around. It’s February. All are thinking about March Madness. Of course, some are thinking about their immediate future. Others are simply dreaming....
-
Sooners will test their mettle against country’s best at National Duals
Dual State is today....
-
Mizzou back on deck after another blowout loss to Baylor
Not again? Yes, again. For the second time this season, the Oklahoma women will have to put aside a disheartening and embarrassing loss to Baylor and get on with the rest of their season....
-
Sooners cruise past competition at Perfect 10
OKLAHOMA CITY — Compared to the rest of its schedule, Oklahoma was supposed to have a relatively easy night. Both Iowa State and Southeast Missouri are in the midst of down seasons. With little chance of losing, the fifth-ranked Sooners ...
- More OU Sports Headlines
-
OU reeling from stunning loss to Texas Tech
