R. Mason Thomas’ 82-Yard Scoop-and-Score TD

NORMAN, Okla. – Oklahoma redshirt freshman defensive end R. Mason Thomas delivered one of the most electrifying and unforgettable plays of the 2023 season, scoring an 82-yard scoop-and-score touchdown early in the first quarter against BYU on Saturday, November 18, 2023. The dramatic sequence, which unfolded amidst a steady rain at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, immediately propelled the Sooners to a 7-0 lead in a crucial Big 12 Conference matchup.

The pivotal play occurred just 2:40 into the contest. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, making his first career start for the Cougars, was blindsided and sacked by Oklahoma defensive lineman Ethan Downs. In the challenging, wet conditions, Retzlaff lost control of the ball. In a remarkable stroke of luck and awareness, the slippery pigskin took a perfect bounce directly into the waiting hands of Thomas. The 6-foot-2, 224-pound redshirt freshman defensive end wasted no time, tucking the ball and sprinting untouched down the sideline for 82 yards to the end zone. It marked Thomas’s first career collegiate touchdown, instantly igniting the rain-soaked crowd and setting an aggressive tone for the Sooners.

The challenging weather conditions, characterized by persistent rain throughout the game, made ball security a significant factor for both teams. Thomas’s opportunistic score underscored the importance of defensive vigilance and capitalizinng on opponent mistakes in adverse environments.

Thomas, a highly-touted recruit from Winter Garden, Florida, in the 2022 class, has been steadily developing within Oklahoma’s defensive scheme. This play served as a breakout moment, showcasing his athleticism, awareness, and speed. For BYU’s Retzlaff, a junior college transfer, the early fumble represented a tough introduction to Power Five starting duties.

Oklahoma went on to win the critical contest 31-24, improving their record to 9-2 overall (6-2 Big 12) and keeping their hopes alive for a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game. The early touchdown provided a vital cushion in what ultimately became a tight, hard-fought victory. The 82-yard return stands as one of the longest fumble return touchdowns in Oklahoma program history, highlighting the rarity and significance of Thomas’s monumental effort.

Thomas’s unforgettable sprint to the end zone will long be remembered as a play that exemplified Oklahoma’s ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes and thrive in difficult circumstances, providing a powerful momentum swing in a key late-season victory.