Kansas State Wildcats

Joe Mixon catches, throws TD passes for Oklahoma v. Kansas State

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Joe Mixon followed up a hurdle into the endzone with a halfback touchdown pass to put Oklahoma up big at halftime against Kansas State.

Joe Mixon has been a workhorse back for Oklahoma this season, pairing with Samaje Perine in the Sooners backfield. He has been best known for his exploits running the ball, and against Kansas State he leads all rushers at halftime with nine carries for 52 yards.

But Mixon has been far more valuable for Oklahoma in the passing game today. First, he caught a short Baker Mayfield pass and hurdled a defender to reach the endzone for the Sooners’ second touchdown of the game:

Oklahoma's RB Joe Mixon hurdles K-State defender Dante Barnett for the Sooners 2nd TD in the 1st half. #KSUvsOKLA #GPCgameday pic.twitter.com/va6NuizB5P

— Katie Johnston (@JohnstonKatie23) October 15, 2016

That score put Oklahoma up 14-0 in the first quarter. Kansas State began to show some life, responding with a touchdown to trim the lead back to a single score. The Sooners drove right back down the field. As they approached the red zone, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley cooked up a play that allowed Mixon to show off his arm:

Joe Mixon for six. (Of a different variety.) #KSUvsOU https://t.co/sEzcW6CgOM

— Tariq Ahmad (@tariq_ahmad) October 15, 2016

The trick play left Dede Westbrook wide open, and the tailback hit him with a 26-yard touchdown pass that put the Sooners right back up by two touchdowns. Oklahoma and Kansas State traded field goals in the second quarter, and the hosts lead 24-10 at halftime thanks to Mixon’s versatility on offense.

Given the lead, Riley and Bob Stoops might elect to keep the ball on the ground — opening the door for Mixon to potentially complete a trifecta of scoring touchdowns three different ways. Oklahoma kicks off to begin the second half, but the way the Sooners defense has played most of the game it shouldn’t be too long before Mixon gets his opportunity to pile up more big plays.