Meet Kyler Murray, Oklahoma’s (probably very temporary) starter, now that Baker Mayfield is (probably very briefly) suspended

Oklahoma starting quarterback Baker Mayfield is suspended for the start of the team’s game against West Virginia, head coach Lincoln Riley announced, after a spirited performance against Kansas that saw him get handshake-dissed and cheap-shotted while roasting fans and crotch-taunting opponents. That last part is probably what did it, since it gave TV networks an image to replay over and over during an otherwise slow weekend of college football.

Name sound familiar? The redshirt sophomore was briefly the starter at Texas A&M in 2015 before transferring out during a QB exodus away from College Station, somewhat similar to Mayfield’s transfer in from Texas Tech.

As a true freshman, he completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 5.7 yards per attempt, with five touchdowns against seven interceptions. He also ran for 6.3 yards per carry and one touchdown.

The Sooners pursued the Texas five-star in high school, getting an official visit, but he ended up choosing the Aggies instead.

Both are athletic dual-threats, both are smaller QBs, and both have been in air raid systems for years. In high school, Murray sort of compared himself to Johnny Manziel, a frequent comp of Mayfield’s.

He’s played in spots this year, with 19 throws for 307 yards and 10 runs for 62, with the bulk of his Power 5 action coming last week against KU.

Crimson and Cream Machine, from before the season began:

Three years ago, it would have been inconceivable to think that the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2015 would have to wait three whole years before becoming a full-time starter in college, but that is the reality that Murray is now facing. Outwardly, he seems to remain upbeat about his role on the team. “The opportunity, when it presents itself, it’ll come,” Murray told the Tulsa World regarding Mayfield’s decision to return for a fifth season. “That was his decision. I can’t control what he does. I’m just gonna keep working hard for this team.”

The drop-off between the OU’s starter and backup quarterbacks has been steep in past years, and it has cost them dearly. If Sam Bradford had a backup like Murray in 2007, Bob Stoops might have won a second national championship ring. God forbid something should happen to Mayfield, Murray could prove to be invaluable to keeping the Sooners’ Big 12 title and College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Murray will no doubt get his chance to show the world what he can do over the next few years. For now, he remains the quarterback equivalent of homeowners insurance. You hope you never need it, but if your house burns down you’ll sure be glad you have it.

... but here we are. The Sooners get another early look at their likely QB of the future, Mayfield attracts more headlines, the Heisman race gains some weird drama, and West Virginia has two QBs to prepare for.