Oklahoma vs. TCU: How Close Win Will Impact Sooners' BCS Bowl Hopes

Oklahoma walked away with a last second win over TCU Saturday, knocking off the Horned Frogs in Fort Worth 24-17.

The Sooners were able to finish 2013 with a share of the Big 12 title and completed their argument to land in a BCS at-large slot to end the year. Jerry Palm at CBSSports.com has projected Oklahoma to the Sugar Bowl for a few weeks now. 

This win increased the Sooners BCS stock, solidifying their role in one of the Big Five games to end the year. 

The Sooners will square off with a SEC team in the BCS, providing Bob Stoops with a chance at a major quality out of conference win. It would be a great shot for Oklahoma to crawl back into the national discussion to finish the year and lead into 2013. 

Oklahoma was supposed to win this game and it did. While it wasn’t a pretty finish to the game for the Sooners, they went into a hostile environment and won a game that required a late fourth quarter stop. 

The Horned Frogs were consistently explosive on offense themselves, but they were unable to put a finishing drive together. The Sooners showed that they can handle the highest of expectations on the big stage.

Anyone who witnessed TCU play football this year knew that there was no way Oklahoma would walk away with a double-digit win. This game was going to be close from start to finish with the Oklahoma response being the key. 

How would the Sooners handle the Horned Frogs when the game got tight?

Landry Jones stepped up to the plate finishing the game 22-of-40 for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Jones was able to toss two first half scores that put TCU in a bind early in the game. 

The Sooners also had a huge surge from running back Damien Williams, who finished the game with 18 carries, 115 yards and one rushing touchdown. He also caught four passes and a receiving touchdown in the game. 

The Sooners never lost control of this game. They showed the confidence needed to overcome hurdles that pop up in big games. Keeping poise has been an issue for Oklahoma in the past few seasons, but this year they close playing as confidently as any team in the country. 

This was a statement game for the Sooners team. They showed that their offense is one of the most dynamic in the country, and their defense made plays when they were backed against the wall. 

This game secured this Sooners team a BCS berth to close this season. After the close they have had to the year, it is much deserved. 

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