Jovantae Barnes runs longest distance of the season in Oklahoma

Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes was at the races.

On the first play of the Sooners’ second drive against Maine on Saturday, Barnes ran 74 yards for what was initially ruled a touchdown before video review showed Barnes down at the 1-yard line. Barnes hit it two plays later to tie the game 7-7 on a successful PAT with 7:07 left in the first quarter.

In Week 10, not only was OU’s longest run of the season, but Barnes ran for more yards on that one run than an OU ball carrier has run in an entire game this season. After two drives and four carries, Barnes gained 81 yards in the first quarter, already a season high for the Sooners. OU hasn’t yet had a 100-yard rusher this season, but Barnes is well on his way to success today.

The Sooners were forced to punt on their first possession after gaining just 12 yards in five plays. Maine then scored its first chance, driving 68 yards in nine plays with 4:43 left on the clock.