After mounting the largest comeback in program history, No. 9 Oklahoma (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) plays host to Gary Patterson and TCU (5-5, 3-4) under the lights.
The Sooners turned in its best performance of the season in the second half of the Baylor game a week ago. Alex Grinch’s defense swarmed to the football and Jalen Hurts went from looking like someone who could be replaced to the best player in college football after halftime.
Oklahoma must win and win convincingly to keep up its argument for the College Football Playoff.
Here are three biggest matchups in the Sooners’ game against TCU.
TCU DEFENSIVE LINE VS. OKLAHOMA OFFENSIVE LINE
Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch had his way against Oklahoma’s inexperienced offensive line.
That should have this experienced and deep TCU defensive line foaming at the mouth. Corey Bethley, Ross Blacklock and Shameik Blackshear are some of the more physical and talented defensive linemen in the conference.
How Adrian Ealy and R.J. Proctor respond at tackle, as well as the three interior offensive linemen, will loom large on the outcome of this game.
JALEN REAGOR VS. OKLAHOMA SECONDARY
TCU’s Jalen Reagor is a blast from recruiting past.
The one-time Oklahoma commit has turned into one of the most explosive receivers in college football and a top NFL draft prospect. With Baylor’s Denzel Mims success against the Sooners’ secondary, this will be a huge matchup to watch.
Baylor attacked Alex Grinch’s defense specifically into the boundary and with the slot receiver and Mims in one-on-one matchups. Reagor lines up all over the TCU offense and will be a huge test for a battle-tested Oklahoma secondary.
LINCOLN RILEY VS. GARY PATTERSON
A chess match that is so much fun to watch once a year.
Offensive guru Lincoln Riley and defensive mastermind Gary Patterson are set to face off once again. The Oklahoma offense has been limited in terms of how they have attacked downfield opposed to year’s past, which plays right into Patterson’s hands.
The TCU defense will try to force Jalen Hurts to beat them with his arm. More than likely take away underneath throws with safety help over the top to make sure nothing gets going deep. It’s a strategy that has worked, but not against the caliber of quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray.
This chess match between the two may be the best yet since Riley arrived at Oklahoma and will be a lot of fun to watch.
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