It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the 1985 Oklahoma Sooners. But with a physical defense and a lightning quick offense, the Sooners played themselves to a #3 ranking and a match-up with top-ranked Penn State in the 1986 Orange Bowl.

After giving up seven points on the Lions' opening drive, the tough Sooner defense led by All-Americans Brian Bosworth, Tony Casillas, and Kevin Murphy, shut Penn State down. Big plays by the Sooners, and Tim Lashar's kicking, were the undoing of the Nittany Lions. True freshman QB Jamelle Holieway, who led OU to eight straight wins after taking over as a starter, hit All-American tight end Keith Jackson on a 71-yard pass play and Lydell Car ran 61 yards for another TD. Lasher added four field goals to make the final 25 - 10. When the Miami Hurricanes lost in the Sugar Bowl, the Sooners claimed their sixth national championship.