College Football Playoff 2018: The case for Ohio State, Oklahoma at No. 4

Can Oklahoma’s revenge over Texas elevate the Sooners?

The Oklahoma Sooners, led by Heisman hopeful Kyler Murray are also vying for that No. 4 spot. Their one loss on the season came against the same team they will face off against in the Big 12 championship game on Saturday- the Texas Longhorns.

Despite nearly blowing it in the fourth quarter, the Horns were able to get the 48-45 win over the Sooners live from Fair Park in Dallas earlier in the season. Even in a loss, quarterback Kyler Murray impressed- nearly leading his team to a big-time comeback as they put 21 points up in the fourth.

Oklahoma’s one loss, therefore, is a lot closer than Ohio State’s was to Purdue. But, the question is, who has Oklahoma really beaten that was all that great so far this year? The Big 12 isn’t exactly the home of contenders at this point. They nearly lost to West Virginia in Week 13 in a game that was way more offense than defense. They only beat Kansas by 15 and Texas Tech, who just fired their head coach after not making it to a bowl game, by five. That isn’t exactly the makings of a championship offense.

The difference right now between Ohio State and Oklahoma is the fact that Saturday will bring a rematch for Oklahoma over the one team that they lost to earlier in the year. Ohio State doesn’t get that luxury. However, will that be enough for Oklahoma when they haven’t been that dominant all season long? Will their lack of defense get in the way of their bid for the No. 4 spot?

I can tell you this much, with the way this team is playing right now — the Sooners don’t want any part of Alabama. If they are lucky enough to cash in on that No. 4 spot though, they may get just that.