Oklahoma vs. TCU Complete Game Preview
You know you’re in for a good one whenever the Oklahoma Sooners and TCU Horned Frogs match up.
This weekend’s tilt should be no different, as one of the top offenses in the Big 12 will go head-to-head with the best defense the conference has to offer. Not to mention four of the last five meetings between the Sooners and Horned Frogs have been decided by seven points or fewer.
With that said, prepare yourselves for another nail-biter.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium
When: Saturday, October 4, 3:30 p.m. ET
Watch: FOX
Live Stream: Sooner Sports
Listen: Sooner Sports Radio Network
Betting Line: Oklahoma (-5), per Odds Shark
Oklahoma Players to Watch
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RB Samaje Perine (Fr.)
After showing promise over the Sooners’ first three games of the season, Perine absolutely burst onto the scene against West Virginia on Sept. 20.
Thanks to an injury to Keith Ford, the true freshman saw his playing time increase. He certainly made the most of it, rushing for a whopping 242 yards and four touchdowns on 34 carries.
The Horned Frogs will pose a challenge, as their run defense ranks No. 15 in the nation. The unit concedes just a little over 90 yards a game and has only allowed a single rushing touchdown all year.
If Oklahoma hopes to crack that defense, Perine will need to be on his A-game.
CB Zack Sanchez (So.)
Sanchez was less than 100 percent against the Mountaineers, and it showed as the secondary was scorched for the majority of the game.
With the bye week, expect the sophomore to be closer to being fully healthy. He has four interceptions this season and has recorded a pick in five straight games dating back to last year.
He will be a key piece in stopping TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin.
TCU Players to Watch
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QB Trevone Boykin (Jr.)
Boykin has had somewhat of a career year through three games.
The junior has thrown for 858 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception on 64.2 percent passing. He’s also rushed for 183 yards and three scores on the ground.
Thanks to his stellar play, the Horned Frogs currently rank 10th in the nation in points per game, with 44.7.
If TCU wants to pull off the upset, Boykin will need to get going early and often. He will need to expose the cracks in the Sooners defense.
DE James McFarland (Jr.)
The Horned Frogs' defensive line is led by McFarland.
Through three games, the junior has led the way, recording 12 tackles (6.0 for loss), 3.0 sacks and forced two fumbles. He’s made life tough on opposing quarterbacks and running backs alike.
Given Oklahoma’s success running the ball, TCU will need McFarland to be up for the challenge.
Oklahoma Keys to Victory
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Make Trevone Boykin One-Dimensional
One of the things that makes Boykin such a dangerous asset is his mobility.
Through three games, the junior leads the team in rushing. Other than Boykin, the Horned Frogs haven’t been able to get much in the way of a formidable rushing attack.
If the Sooners can slow him down, they can wipe out TCU’s ground game completely. After all, in two previous meetings against Oklahoma, Boykin has only rushed for 54 yards on 23 carries.
Control Time of Possession With the Run Game
This is a game where Oklahoma must try its best to wear down the opposing defense.
When fresh, the Horned Frogs defense is one of the best in the nation, ranking No. 2 in total defense. The Sooners should try and tire out the unit by constantly pounding the ball.
The bruising rushing style of Samaje Perine is perfect for such a task. Look for Oklahoma to feed the true freshman early and often.
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TCU Keys to Victory
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Shut Down Run, Make Trevor Knight Win With his Arm
If the Sooners had one weakness, it would be in quarterback Trevor Knight’s accuracy.
Through four games, the sophomore has completed just 58.5 percent of his passes. That includes a poor 16-of-29 passing against West Virginia two weekends ago, where he failed to throw a touchdown for the first time this season.
If the Horned Frogs can stop the Oklahoma rushing attack, they could force the Sooners to do exactly what they want: throw the ball.
Need More Support in the Run Game
Thus far, quarterback Trevone Boykin has handled much of the rushing duties for TCU.
The junior signal-caller leads the team with 183 yards rushing. However, running back B.J. Catalon will be called upon to step up Saturday.
Catalon broke out against SMU last weekend, rushing for 114 yards on 19 carries. But prior to that game, he had only rushed for 58 yards on 16 carries over two starts.
Which Catalon will show up for the Horned Frogs on Saturday?
What They're Saying
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Oklahoma cornerback Zack Sanchez on playing TCU:
"They always play us tough. The past two years, they always find a way to play us tough. It's always a defensive battle. We've kind of got to outdo their defense. Those guys want to do the same to us. It's a defensive battle. We've just got to play our game and I think we'll be all right.
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TCU head coach Gary Patterson on Oklahoma:
"Their skill guys are all really good. They have one of the better offensive lines and then you put it with the defense that runs like it does. Our kids are up to the challenge.
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Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops on differences in TCU this year:
"The biggest difference offensively you see them spreading the ball out now. Boykin is throwing the ball well and running it. They're using a bunch of players. You see them spread out and they're making you defend the whole field, which that offense does, and defend the whole field and every player. They've done a really good job to this point being highly productive offensively.
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All quotes are courtesy of The Associated Press (h/t Yahoo! Sports)
Prediction
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Expect this game to be no different than the last couple times these two have met. This should be a low-scoring game that could be decided in the final minutes.
Still, although TCU boasts a stifling defensive line, Oklahoma’s offensive line could hold its own against some of the top lines in the NFL. Expect those big guys in the trenches to provide enough running lanes for Samaje Perine and Alex Ross to power the Sooners.
The Horned Frogs faithful will have reason to stay late into the fourth quarter. However, when all is said and done, Oklahoma will ensure that those fans will exit the field with their heads down.
Prediction: Oklahoma 27, TCU 17
All stats, recruiting information and rankings used in this article are courtesy of CFBStats.com and 247Sports.
For complete coverage and everything Oklahoma football, you can reach Sebastian on Twitter and via email at Sebastian.LenaBR@gmail.com.
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