For many, the turning point in Oklahoma’s season was the win down at the Cotton Bowl over Texas. For the Sooners, it’s winning today’s game down in Fort Worth, Texas.
Oklahoma heads into Saturday’s game 2-2, but 1-2 in conference play. The Sooners’ Big 12 Championship streak of five-straight is in real jeopardy and winning out is paramount to that becoming a possibility.
TCU is desperate, too. Gary Patterson and his 2020 team are 1-2 and are trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2019 campaign.
Both teams have losses to Kansas State and TCU. Both have beaten Texas. Even both losses are by the same combined points (10). The line on the game is 6.5-points.
It’s got a really chance to be another close game for Oklahoma. Something they’re accustomed to winning and something the Sooners proved they could do two weeks ago over the Longhorns.
Here is what Sooners Wire will be watching for in Saturday’s game.
IS ANTON HARRISON THE STARTING LEFT TACKLE?
He has to be, right?
Anton Harrison has been better and Oklahoma’s offense has been better with him in the starting lineup over Erik Swenson. The rotation needs to come to an end.
DID T.J. PLEDGER SOLIDIFY BEING THE STARTING RUNNING BACK?
T.J. Pledger was really good against Texas. Really good. He ran physically, finished runs and continued to pick up in pass protection.
But Seth McGowan is back. He’s been Oklahoma’s best running back by far. Does he retake the reigns at the running back position?
HOW MUCH RUN DOES CHRIS MURRAY GET?
The UCLA transfer is eligible and ready to play.
Chris Murray has all the talent in the world to be able to make a huge impact for Oklahoma’s offense. How much run does he get today against TCU? Tyrese Robinson and Marquis Hayes played better against Texas, but both guards have struggled at times this year.
CAN THE DEFENSIVE LINE MAKE AN IMPACT?
TCU’s offensive scheme is close to being full air raid. At least it was against Texas and Iowa State.
Short, quick throws to get the ball in playmaker’s hands. Zone-reads with a mobile quarterback.
Oklahoma’s defensive line has been the best unit for the Sooners so far. Getting pressure whenever they need it. But can they get home today?
DOES DAVID UGWOEGBU TAKE CONTROL OF MIKE?
DaShaun White has been underwhelming in his second year of fully playing for Oklahoma’s defense. He’s touted himself as being a leader of the defense in 2020.
But he hasn’t been that guy. White struggled against Texas and David Ugwoegbu played the majority of snaps a week ago late in the OU-Texas game. If White struggles to contain Max Duggan, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ugwoegbu take full control of the MIKE linebacker position.
HOW MANY MORE GUYS PLAY IN THE SECONDARY?
We saw 10 or 11 defensive backs for Oklahoma a week ago.
Woodi Washington got a lot of run at corner. Tre Norwood at safety. Jeremiah Criddell at nickel back.
Does the transition of the old guard into the new guard happen? It may. This is a good TCU skill group.
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