Steven Parker's Gamble Leads Oklahoma Sooners To 30-29 Victory Over TCU Horned Frogs

Play of the Game

With under a minute remaining in the game, Bram Kohlhausen delivered a touchdown pass to Emmaunel Porter pulling the TCU Horned Frogs within one point at 30-29. With Gary Patterson opting to win the game, the offense remained on the field. Bob Stoops simple sorted out the defense but he may not have advised what happened next. Fans in all places witnessed Steven Parker peel off his man in a huge gamble that could make or break the comeback for TCU. Running toward Kohlhausen, Parker left Shaun Nixon wide open in the endzone. Jumping into the air, the defensive back came up big knocking the pass out of the air sealing the win with under minute to go.

Defensive Recap

The Oklahoma Sooners certainly looked dominate upfront with pressure all around redshirt freshman Foster Sawyer in the backfield. Yet, OU found themselves in a hole as the TCU Horned Frogs picked on Jordan Thomas early and often. Using a multitude of different formations, an uptempo pace as well as a few gimmick plays, Gary Patterson found success. Connecting with Kolby Listenbee on two deep passes, redshirt freshman Foster Sawyer recorded the first touchdown pass of the game.

However, things quickly changed in toward the end of the first half. Returning from an injury, Zack Sanchez jumped a route leading to an interception. Making the most of the turnover, Baker Mayfield tied the game up with 22 seconds remaining in the first quarter on a play action pass to Sterling Shepard. In the cold evening, the score allowed the defense to settle in taking control of the line of scrimmage.

Keeping TCU rattled on offense, Sanchez collected two interceptions on the night once again proving his value on this team. Along the defensive front, Charles Tapper stripped a ball carrier fighting for a few extra yards giving the Sooners a +3 turnover margin in the first half.

In the second half, momentum shifted a bit. Aaron Green made a handful of cuts slicing through the defense for a score. Electing to go for two in an attempt to cut the lead to a single possession, Listenbee had the ball knocked out of his hands by Thomas leaving the score at 23-13.

Losing the starting quarterback at the half, the pressure shifted greatly to the Sooner defense. Making a few mistakes here and there, all hope seemed lost...until Ahmad Thomas intercepted a pass. Oklahoma found a way to score pushing the number to 24 points off turnovers.

Moving into the fourth quarter, TCU hit another long play giving the sideline a bit of excitement. Kavontae Turpin's 86-yard reception became the Sooners largest play given up this season. Down by ten points at 30-20, the Horned Frogs had a bit of life with just under nine minutes remaining in the game.

Unable to get off the field, Eric Striker and the rest of defense surrendered a field goal setting up the most crucial drive for both teams later in the quarter (the last play is detailed above).

Statline

In total, the Sooners surrendered 390 yards to the Horned Frogs, 161 rushing and 229 passing.
Aaron Green racked up 127 yards on the ground on 24 carries
The TCU QBs combined for 13 completions

Oklahoma's defense collected four turnovers, 3 interceptions and one strip
Totaling 57 tackles, the defense recorded five for loss with two sacks