Generally speaking, college football games don’t unfold in the manner that prognosticators assume. On Saturday, the match-up between two of the best offensive teams in the Big 12 Conference provided the fireworks that the conference reputation precedes. Oklahoma outlasted TCU, 52-46 in shootout in the Lone Star state. Ironically, in a game that resembled basketball on grass, Oklahoma used a defensive stand to secure the victory.
Horned Frogs make a statement early
To begin with, TCU forced a turnover of Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield on the game’s third snap. Immediately following, Kenny Hill hit Jaelan Austin for a 17-yard score. Not surprisingly, big plays would prove to be a theme throughout the afternoon. After Oklahoma capitalized on a TCU turnover to tie the game, TCU used chunk plays once again. A 41-yard pass set up another score to give the Horned Frogs the lead. Finally,Kenny Hill connected with another long pass play as he hit Kyle Hicks on a 61-yard catch and run to pay-dirt. With 54 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Oklahoma was on the ropes early with a 21-7 deficit.
Sooners play with desperation
All things considered, Oklahoma is still the favorite in the Big 12 Conference. The Sooners competed in the second quarter with those expectations in mind. Powered by the running game, Baker Mayfield and Samaje Perine scored on short touchdown runs. Now, the Sooners found themselves back in the game, tied at 21.
In due time, Oklahoma would need production from the receivers. The second quarter is when that production started. Baker Mayfield hit DeDe Westbrook for 67 and 40 yard touchdowns. Suddenly, the Sooners found themselves on top by two scores after being down by the same margin just a quarter earlier.
After another fumble, TCU was able to stop the Sooner run with a field goal to move the halftime score to 35-24. Oklahoma coach, Bob Stoops, liked the resolve his team showed. “I saw a lot of fight back. This team has fight and character, and we need to do a lot of fundamental things better. I believe as we go through we will keep getting better from it.”
Sooners maintain offensive production
Similarly, the second half began much in the same way that it started. Joe Mixon scored on a 3-yard touchdown run and Samaje Perine added a 1-yard touchdown. Conversely, the Sooner defense forced two punts in as many possessions. Oklahoma took firm control of the game leading 49-24. “They came up big in the third quarter. We got a lot of 3 and outs, and you don’t get a lot from TCU, explained Stoops on the defense.”
Furious comeback comes up short
Notably, inconsistency has been a concern through three games and that was a detriment again on Saturday. Oklahoma struggled on both sides of the ball in the final period. The Sooners gave up touchdowns in three consecutive possessions. Again, big plays were again the result as TCU had plays of 64, 45 and 74 yards. Two of those aforementioned plays resulted in quick touchdowns. Frequently, on the road those quick scores can change momentum. “We’ve just got to get more consistent play. I thought our guys made a lot better on the deep balls until the fourth quarter.”
Now, the Sooners found themselves back in a ball game. As a result, Oklahoma’s 25-point lead had been trimmed down to three. After an Austin Seibert 35-yard field goal, TCU would get the ball back with a chance to win the game. Senior Linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo sacked Kenny Hill twice to set up a fourth and long. As a result, the defense was able to stop the Horned Frogs on 4th down to secure the victory.
Game by the numbers
1,048: The number of total yards from scrimmage by both teams.
210: Receiving yards for TCU wide receiver Taj Williams. He had touchdown catches of 64 and 74 yards.
158: Career high receiving yard by Oklahoma’s DeDe Westbrook. Westbrook hauled in scoring grabs of 67 and 40 yards.
98: Total points put on the scoreboard by both teams.
Up Next
Oklahoma heads south for the Red River Rivalry against the Texas Longhorns in Dallas. Both teams enter the game with two losses. As a result, the game has lost some of its luster nationally. With that being said, this will be a key game for the Sooners to get a leg up in the conference race.
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