Top Performances in College Football as Called by Joel Klatt: Baker Mayfield Shines in Bedlam
Updated July 18, 2025, 4:36 PM ET
In a recent episode of my podcast, a fan named Roy L posed a challenging question: “Which player had the best performance in a game that I’ve called?” Truthfully, that’s a tough one to answer. There have been so many outstanding performances that I can’t narrow it down to just one. Instead, I’m excited to share my top five individual performances that I’ve ever called, listed in descending order. Throughout this week, I’ll break down my top five, sharing one each day.
Before diving into my list, I want to highlight a couple of honorable mentions. First up is Kyler Murray’s phenomenal performance in the 2018 Red River Showdown. While Texas took the victory that day, the former Oklahoma quarterback executed a breathtaking run down the sideline that remains one of the best plays I’ve ever witnessed.
Another honorable mention goes to Ohio State quarterback JT Barrett for his comeback game against Penn State in 2017 .8k8. If you recall, Saquon Barkley scored a touchdown right off the opening kickoff, but Barrett was remarkable throughout the game. I simply couldn’t find a spot for him on my final list.
Here’s the full list to this point:
- Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. & Edge JT Tuimoloau @ Penn State (2022)
- Michigan Edge Aidan Hutchinson vs. Ohio State (2021)
- Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield vs. Oklahoma State (2017)
Coming in at No. 3 on my list is Baker Mayfield’s performance against Oklahoma State, which took place in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. This game in 2017 was nothing short of incredible, held in a thrilling atmosphere. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State exchanged heavy blows for a full 60 minutes, leading to a wild offensive clash that ended with Oklahoma winning, 62-52. This game helped me truly appreciate the signature Baker Mayfield swagger.
No matter what Oklahoma State threw at him, Mayfield handled it with ease, strutting around like Conor McGregor while dismantling their defense. Instead of merely picking them apart, he annihilated them with deep passes.
Mayfield’s stats were equally astounding. He completed 24 of 36 throws for an impressive 598 yards and a total of six touchdowns. Averaging just under 25 yards per completion (24.9), he set a record in my books for the highest yards-per-completion I’ve ever seen.
Additionally, if I’m not mistaken, this was the game where my partner, Gus Johnson, dubbed Marquise Brown with the “Hollywood” nickname after he recorded nine receptions for 265 yards and two touchdowns.
Throughout the game, Mayfield was dropping dimes left and right pldt777. com. I can vividly recall the moments when he dropped back to pass, causing me to put my hands on my head in disbelief since I was speechless while Gus narrated the action. At one point, I even had to hit the mute button as I exclaimed, “no way!” in response to one of Mayfield’s unbelievable throws.
Gus was on fire, new nicknames emerged, and unbelievable numbers were showcased. That’s what makes this specific performance one of the all-time greats I’ve had the pleasure to call. bmw55 online casino login Just a month after Oklahoma’s thrilling victory over Oklahoma State, Mayfield was named the Heisman winner, and he played a key role in leading the Sooners to the College Football Playoff. casino plus tongits
Joel Klatt is FOX Sports’ lead college football game analyst and the host of “The Joel Klatt Show.” You can follow him at @joelklatt and subscribe to “The Joel Klatt Show” on YouTube jili 365 casino.
What are your thoughts on Baker Mayfield’s performance in the Bedlam rivalry?