No. 7 Oklahoma's 30-29 win over No. 18 TCU came down to a two-point conversion attempt that was swatted away by Steven Parker. Here are the game grades from the Sooners win:
Offense (First half): B
Oklahoma’s offense struggled to get moving in the first half, mostly because of problems caused by TCU’s front four. Baker Mayfield wasn’t very efficient, but he was effective. He tossed two touchdowns in the first 30 minutes before exiting the game with concussion symptoms. On the ground, Oklahoma had success running the ball in the first half. The Sooners averaged six yards per rush over the first two stanzas, helping OU to build a 23-7 lead.
Offense (2nd half): D-
Sophomore running back Samaje Perine advances the ball during Saturday night's game at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Sooners defeated the Horned Frogs 30-29.
The Sooners found a way to win in the second half, which is the only thing saving them from a failing grade. OU can thank Samaje Perine for his 72-yard touchdown run despite nursing an ankle injury he suffered earlier in the half. Removing that play, OU averaged just 3.4 yards per play with Trevor Knight at the helm. Knight was just 5-of-16 through the air, with four his of five completions going to Sterling Shepard. The Sooners also managed just one first down and 16 yards of offense in the fourth quarter.
Defense: B
Oklahoma made true freshman Foster Sawyer uncomfortable early and it eventually resulted with him being pulled. Cornerback Zack Sanchez had a pair of huge interceptions in the first half and safety Ahmad Thomas had another. Removing an 86-yard touchdown pass in the second half, TCU was limited to just 4.8 yards per play. And then, when it mattered most, Steven Parker made the big play to send the Sooners home with the victory.
Crowd: A-
Head coach Bob Stoops pleaded for fans to come ‘charged up’ to OU’s matchup with No. 18 TCU. Refraining from comment on whether or not the crowd heeded his advice, the Sooner faithful was the loudest they’ve been all season. The student section arrived early and — with few exceptions — stayed late. It didn’t approach the atmosphere of the 2008 ‘Jump Around’ game against the Texas Tech, but it might have been the OU crowd’s best effort since then.
