5 thoughts from Ohio State's throttling of Oklahoma: Could Sooners be headed for 1-4 record?

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AP

Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, left, throws under pressure from Ohio State defensive end Jalyn Holmes (11) in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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No. 3 Ohio State didn't have much trouble putting away No. 14 Oklahoma Saturday night in Norman.

In front of a crowd of 87,979 -- the largest to ever watch an OU home game -- the Buckeyes controlled all three phases of the game. Let's take a look at five takeaways.

1. OU lost its momentum early and never found it again

The Sooners were quick to find the red zone Saturday night. In just nine plays, Oklahoma found itself 11 yards from a touchdown. However, offensive lineman Cody Ford went down with an injury and needed to be carted off the field with an air cast on his left leg.

All told, the injury stopped play for nearly 10 minutes.

That was just enough time to throw the Sooners off-rhythm. Two incomplete passes later and OU was settling for a field goal. That is, until the ball clanged off the right upright, leaving Oklahoma empty-handed despite a fast start.

From there, OU never found momentum again. Two drives later, Ohio State nabbed a pick-six while the Sooners were driving. Although Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, Ohio State scored on the next drive, eliminating any ground that had been made up.

2. It's hard to win games - or even stay competitive - and lose the turnover battle

Oklahoma turned the ball over twice against Ohio State.

The first, Mayfield's interception on the Buckeyes' side of the 50, was a tipped ball. His second, however, came when he eluded a sack, looked downfield and threw 40 yards to a wide receiver that wasn't open.

Going into Saturday's game, it was reasonable to assume Oklahoma might have some turnover issues. Ohio State has now hauled in nine interceptions this season - as many as the Sooners did in all of 2015.

Malik Hooker and Marshon Lattimore are tied at the top of the FBS individual standings with three a piece, as well.

Earlier in the week, Mayfield pointed out the importance of not turning the ball over against a team like Ohio State, saying "turnovers early can change the momentum of a game." That's clearer now than ever.

3. Cornerback is a real problem

Through three weeks, Dakota Austin, Parrish Cobb and Michiah Quick have battled for the starting job at the cornerback position opposite Jordan Thomas.

And, through three weeks, none of the three players have proven they can lock down the job.

Ohio State knew that Saturday night. WR Noah Brown had four catches, all of which were touchdowns. His first two came over the true freshman Cobb, including a back-shoulder fade that Cobb never saw.

After Cobb was replaced with Quick, Brown continued to be productive, especially when he hauled in this gem.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? https://t.co/x6xLjrGeny
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) September 18, 2016

After being exposed against a predominately run-first offense in Ohio State, Big 12 play could make for a long season if Oklahoma doesn't solidify a second capable starter at cornerback.

4. Maybe don't talk trash as the underdog

On Sooner Sports Spotlight earlier this week, Oklahoma backup QB Austin Kendall had some choice words about the Ohio State defense, calling it "basic" and saying that Mayfield would light it up.

That didn't happen Saturday.

After Brown caught his fourth touchdown of the night, former Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones fired back in response to Kendall's comments (and the score of the game).

Offense is pretty basic too, just throw it to @Nb_Eight0 lol
— Cardale Jones (@Cardale7_) September 18, 2016

5. Oklahoma could be in for a long season

For as hyped as Sooners players seemed for arguably their biggest game of the season, their performance on-the-field left something to be desired.

Ohio State is one of the best teams in the country this season, but the gap between the Buckeyes and OU was larger than just 11 spots in the polls. Oklahoma sits at 1-2 with losses to two ranked teams.

However, the schedule doesn't get much easier. After a bye week, trips to TCU and Dallas to face Texas await the Sooners. If OU plays like it did against Ohio State, it's not hard to imagine Bob Stoops' squad falling to 1-4 and the coach landing squarely on the hot seat.

To close the season, Oklahoma plays Baylor, at West Virginia and Oklahoma State back-to-back-to-back. Could the Sooners rack up more losses this season than any team has in the Bob Stoops era?

Twitter: @BradyVardeman