4th and 1
When a game is a close as this one, and the majority of the game is defensive, it’s very easy to find a lot of plays that could be considered “game changing”. There were numerous defensive plays made against TCU that stalled drives or forced a field goal rather than a touchdown; and there were some big offensive plays made down the stretch that put the game away. Ultimately, these are the four I found to be extremely important in the outcome.
This week: OU 20 TCU 17
1. Oklahoma Drive (@ the 3:40 mark in the 2nd quarter)
The Play
After a very defensive first quarter and a half, OU had driven the ball deeper into TCU territory than at any point in the game thus far. Facing a 4th and 3 from the TCU 32 yard line, the Sooners lined up in a 4 WR formation, with Brennan Clay and Bell in the shotgun. After the snap, Durron Neal (lined up wide left) ran an underneath slant and TCU corner Kevin White was unable to react quickly enough, which left Neal open for only a few strides. Bell hit Neal on the slant for a 6 yard gain, and a Sooner first down at the TCU 26 yard line.
The Effect
With the first real drive the Sooner offense had put together, the Neal catch and first down conversion was huge. Not only did it continue a drive deep into TCU territory, it led to a Trey Millard touchdown (see next play) and 7 much needed points for the Sooners.
2. Oklahoma Drive (@ the 2:34 mark in the 2nd quarter)
The Play
After another Durron Neal first down catch, the Sooners (on 1st and 10, from the TCU 8) lined up in a pistol formation with 3 WR, 1 TE and Trey Millard at running back. After the snap, Bell handed the ball to Millard, who was able to make a cut in the backfield and give himself a one-on-one match-up with TCU safety Chris Hackett. Millard made his second cut and semi-hurdled Hackett, taking the ball into the end zone for a touchdown.
The Effect
Taking almost two quarters, the Sooner offense finally found the end-zone and put a little breathing room between themselves and the Frogs. The touchdown was a big at the time, but would become even more important as the Frogs fought back and made the game close late.
3. TCU Kick-off (@ the 3:32 mark in the 3rd quarter)
The Play
After the Sooner defense had held the TCU offense to a field goal, on a 9 play drive (and being on the field almost the entire 3rd quarter), the Frogs were set to kickoff. Instead of a long kick, the Sooners were caught off guard when TCU K Jaden Oberkom kicked a high (pooch) on-side ball, that bounced off of OU TE Brennan Green and was recovered by TCU back up safety Derrick Kindred.
The Effect
The Sooners were clearly caught off guard by the TCU on-side kick, and after being on the field for a long drive previous to the kick-off, the Sooner defense was tasked with taking the field again. This turnover lead to a TCU touchdown and made the game very close. Anytime an underdog can hang on late into a game, there is always a chance for the upset.
4. OU Drive (@ the 10:36 mark in the 4th quarter)
The Play
Oklahoma, on 1st and 10 from the OU 27, lined up in a 4 WR formation, with Blake Bell in the pistol and Brennan Clay as the lone running back. After the snap, Bell handed off to Clay. Clay, running to the left, made a single cutback and hit a hole on the right side of the TCU front. With TCU’s defensive line flowing left, and the secondary in coverage, Clay quickly got behind the TCU defense and took the ball 73 yards for a touchdown
The Effect
Leading only by 3, late in the game, this touchdown would prove to be the winning score for the Sooners. After several three and outs in the second half, and despite the long scoring run, the Sooner offense was able to put together enough of a drive to give the defense a break and a chance to recover (at least enough to finish the game strong).
And One
Report Card
Offense: B-
Although TCU deserves a fair amount of credit, there were plays left unmade that could have changed the complexion of the game.
Defense: A+
Allowing only 210 total yards (44 rushing), and only giving up big chunks on trick-plays, resulted in an excellent grade.
Special Teams: B+
Good overall performance, with the exception of the muffed on-side kick. However, that was a big one and resulted in a lower overall grade.
Coaching/Play calling: B-
The offensive game plan was slightly better than the WVU, but it could have been better. Defensively, another gem.
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Overall Grade: B
Would like to have seen more offensively, and the on-side kick hurt, but overall a decent week and more importantly, a win.
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