Baker Mayfield Will Play in Rose Bowl vs. Georgia Despite Flu-Like Symptoms

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield said Saturday he is dealing with "flu-like" symptoms, but head coach Lincoln Riley said the Heisman Trophy winner will be ready to play in the Rose Bowl against Georgia on Monday.

According to ESPN.com's Kyle Bonagura, Mayfield unexpectedly showed up at Rose Bowl media availability after missing the previous two days of interviews with an illness.

When asked why he showed up Saturday, Mayfield said he did so for his teammates: "It's about Oklahoma. My teammates shouldn't have to answer questions on my behalf."

Mayfield has been limited in practice, and while he said he "felt great" Friday, he added, "I'm not dying, but I'm not feeling 100 percent right now."

The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year started feeling sick while back home for Christmas. While he said he doesn't have the flu, he noted the illness is "flu-like."

Mayfield hasn't taken part in the activities set up by the Rose Bowl for players, but he said he is focused on being as healthy and ready as possible for the game: "Obviously, I'd like to be out there with my team doing all the fun activities that the Rose Bowl puts on, but when it comes down to it, it's not going to hinder my play. I'll still be out there Monday for the most important thing."

The senior signal-caller is the driving force behind Oklahoma's status as the No. 2 team in the country, as he has thrown for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns with just five interceptions this season, completing 71 percent of his passes.

Mayfield has also rushed for 310 yards and five touchdowns, making him a dual threat the Bulldogs must account for.

The winner of the Rose Bowl will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl between Clemson and Alabama in the national championship game.