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The Oklahoma Sooners opened the 1974 season ranked as the nation's top program in the AP Poll. However, after struggling to cover the 43 point spread over the Baylor Bears, voters were left unimpressed dropping OU to No. 3 in the rankings.
From that point on, Barry Switzer's defense held every opponent under 14 points as the Sooners reclaimed the top spot with three weeks left in the season. Putting on a clinic, Oklahoma finished the season as the National Champions marking the first under Coach Switzer.