Instant Analysis: OU Beats TCU 30-29

OU barely held on to beat TCU 30-29. Here’s the instant analysis of what went down.

How the Sooners won

Oklahoma’s defense came to play in this matchup and carried the Sooners throughout an injury-riddled second half. Zach Sanchez set the tone with two first-half interceptions, while Charles Tapper and Ahmad Thomas also forced turnovers that eventually led to OU points.

TCU was playing without Trevone Boykin, and the Sooners secondary feasted on the inexperience of backups Foster Sawyer and Bram Kohlhausen for most of the game.

TCU was able to rally late, but the defense held strong when it mattered most. The Sooners’ defense should ride that momentum into Stillwater on Saturday.

What they could’ve done better

Once again personal foul penalties were a problem for OU, and Bob Stoops didn’t appear to be very happy about it on the sidelines. Orlando Brown picked up his second personal foul in as many games, while Dede Westbrook picked one up in the first half as well.

Those penalties haven’t come back to bite the Sooners just yet, but the stakes are raised with each game from here on out. A personal foul penalty against OSU or in the postseason could turn out to be more costly. Coach Stoops will have to get that situation straightened out before it’s too late.

One could argue the Sooners shouldn’t have let the game get so close at the end, but if Baker Mayfield didn’t sit for precautionary reasons in the second half, there’s a good chance the score would’ve never gotten so close.

What this win means

Oklahoma’s goal of winning the Big 12 Championship can be met with a win over Oklahoma State next Saturday, while a spot in the College Football Playoff could be in the discussion as well. With No. 3 Ohio State and No. 6 Oklahoma State losing today, OU has a shot to sneak into the final four with an impressive win over the Cowboys in Stillwater.

What’s next?

Bedlam in Stillwater. Kickoff TBD.