Oklahoma-TCU Highlights Vegas Big 12 Predictions Week 6
Saturday Blitz Vegas Big 12 Predictions Week 6
Game of the Week
No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners at No. 25 TCU Horned Frogs
Line: Oklahoma by 5
At the beginning of the season, this may not have been expected to be a game between two Top 25 teams. But Oklahoma was expected to be undefeated by this point, and it was clear that TCU had a chance. Now, since both teams are undefeated, we are raising the question if TCU has a right to be mentioned in the conversation with the elite of the Big 12. This Saturday will give them a chance to prove that, while it gives Oklahoma a chance for another quality win.
The Sooners are saved. They looked to be in trouble against West Virginia, but they have found a running back to alleviate the questions. Trevor Knight still looks like he’s been way overrated, but Samaje Perine on offense and the front seven on defense look like a superstar group. That’s where the bread and butter is, and it’ll have to be the case again Saturday. Knight has a chance to make too many mistakes against a very good TCU defense, so the best way to avoid that is to rely on him to make plays when needed and rely on Perine to dominate the game. They also need to make sure they use that front seven to disrupt the balanced TCU offense that can score in multiple ways. Containing Trevone Boykin is that front seven’s job and it will determine if the Sooners win the game. Eric Striker on defense and Perine on offense are the keys to victory.
TCU, meanwhile, is in the process of trying to prove that the incredible dominance they’ve shown in all phases of the game is legitimate under Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs need their offensive line to protect Boykin, otherwise this game is a loss. That’s the first order of business because this Oklahoma front seven is so loaded. The next order of business is making sure Boykin can come through with big plays against the defense without turning the ball over. Then, the Horned Frogs defense, which looks more dominant than the offense, has to simply prove that it’s the real deal. It already dealt with a good rushing attack in Minnesota, but stopping Perine is a whole different animal. For the Horned Frogs to win this game, they’ll have to really come through to shut him down. Otherwise, there is no chance they win, even at home.
Prediction
TCU will prove that it is a Top 25-caliber team and give Oklahoma all it can handle. The Horned Frogs will give Knight fits with their tough defense, and their balanced offense will have quite a few nice drives against the Sooners. But big players are going to step up for Oklahoma and validate how good they are. Perine will make enough plays on the offense and have another great game to make sure the offense is fine, and Striker will lead the front seven in ruining a couple of TCU drives with huge and timely sacks and also forcing turnovers at the perfect time. At the end of the game, Oklahoma will be on top thanks to the big plays from the big players, which is what you need on a championship team.
Oklahoma: 31 TCU: 27