The TCU Horned Frogs announced their arrival on the national stage on Saturday, knocking off the Oklahoma Sooners 37-33 in a frenetic contest. The Frogs defense stopped the Sooners on fourth and one with just over three minutes remaining to hold onto their tenuous lead.
Oklahoma vs. TCU final score: 3 things we learned from TCU’s 37-33 upset win
The Horned Frogs threw a monkey wrench into the Big 12 race on Saturday, taking down the fourth ranked Sooners.
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The Frogs opened up a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter, but the Sooners leveled things up relatively quickly. Neither team could build more than a seven point lead after that, and the game took on the feel of a heavyweight title fight, both teams just laying haymakers into the other's jaw. The breaking point that finally won it for the Frogs was a 41 yard interception return by Paul Dawson to make it 37-31. It would've been 38-31, but the ensuing extra point was blocked and returned by Zack Sanchez for two points. In a matter of seconds, it went from 31-31 to 37-33.
Ultimately, it was a strong defense and the improved play of quarterback Trevone Boykin that made the difference for the Frogs. Boykin has progressed so much over his previous seasons that he looks like an entirely different player. He still completed just over 50% of his passes, but he outplayed Trevor Knight, and that's what mattered. Knight was harried by the TCU defense into an inefficient 14-35 performance for 309 yards, one touchdown and two picks.
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Three things we learned
1. TCU is absolutely one of the top 25 teams in the country. The Horned Frogs appeared at #25 in the country ahead of this game, and they showed that they are very clearly one of the top teams in the nation. The defense made big plays, and the offense, led by the drastically improved Trevone Boykin, looked explosive.
2. Samaje Perine’s run continues, sort of. Perine didn’t rack up the eye-popping yardage this weekend, but he scored another three touchdowns for the Sooners. That’s seven touchdowns over the past two games for the true freshman, whose bruising running style gives OU an element to their offense they haven’t had in quite some time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to pick up a crucial fourth down conversion with just over three minutes left.
3. Oklahoma’s playoff spot might be gone. The Sooners had an inside track into the College Football Playoff, they just needed to win out to keep destiny in their hands. That scenario is now gone, but they aren’t necessarily finished. The SEC West heavy hitters could cannibalize themselves and pop Oklahoma back into the top four, but the Sooners need to make sure they don’t slip up again. And also hope TCU finishes strong, but just not too strong.
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