Oklahoma’s 52-16 win over Iowa State didn’t receive much national attention, but at least one Sooner took notice of OU’s “exemplary play.”
“Ever since Zack (Sanchez) has been hurt, (bubble gum) has been his reward for everyone who has scored a touchdown or made a big play,” receiver Durron Neal said.
Sanchez didn’t play against the Cyclones because of an ankle injury, but he was active on the sidelines dispersing bubble gum for any play he thought was fit for a reward.
“That’s just Zack being Zack,” defensive tackle Matt Dimon said. “His demeanor off the field as far as motivating us and being there for us has just been really positive and something that we need."
It’s also a way for Sanchez to stay involved while he’s on the sidelines.
“It keeps him tuned in with the game,” senior defensive end Charles Tapper said. “He’s paying attention at all times, because he’s trying to hand out that next piece of bubble gum.
Tapper was one of many Sooners whose play merited a piece of bubble gum — he had two sacks on the night — and he admitted to getting motivation from the treat.
“It’s just like a sense of accomplishment that you made a big play,” Tapper added.
It may seem like a small thing — senior center Ty Darlington likened it to a bounty for kindergarteners — but cornerback Dakota Austin insisted there’s more to it.
“You’d be surprised by how hard people actually work for that gum,” Austin said. “It’s way more gratifying than you’d think.”
It also serves as a way for Sanchez to continue his leadership of the Sooners young secondary and the team as a whole.
“As soon as those young guys are off the field, he tells them if they made a wrong step or didn’t make the right play on the ball. He comes right to them and tells them (what they missed),” senior defensive end Charles Tapper said. “And as soon as they make a good play, he’s handing them bubble gum, so he’s just building their confidence.
“Zack’s an amazing leader," Tapper said. "He’s an amazing leader — to see him do these kinds of things, and he’s not on the field, but he’s fighting to get back."
While most of Sanchez’s teammates enjoy the challenge of earning the gum, at least one player feels the deck is stacked against him.
“Zack’s trying to remain relevant while he’s hobbling around in his boot,” Darlington joked. I was told that if I get pancakes and (the offensive line) blocks well, I would get bubble gum. And I haven’t gotten any bubble gum, so apparently Zack doesn’t think very highly of me.”
Darlington was possibly one of the only Sooners to not receive any gum from Sanchez tonight, which is a testament to the number of big plays the Sooners had.
Oklahoma posted at least 50 points for the fourth consecutive game and had four plays of at least 50 yards. The Sooners also forced a turnover and sacked Cyclones quarterback Joel Lanning four times.
Baker Mayfield, who passed for 342 yards and three scores, made sure to show his appreciation for Sanchez and might have given him a new nickname in the process.
“Zack’s our candy man,” Mayfield said.
The Sooners will now turn their focus to Baylor, a game in which they hope to have Sanchez making an impact on the field. But if not, he’ll still find other ways to contribute as OU fights for a chance at the Big 12 title.
