How TCU’s rematch with Oklahoma could be different in Big 12 championship

There will be a rematch.

The TCU Horned Frogs will get another shot against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12 Championship at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

It’s the first Big 12 title game since 2010 and it will likely determine whether a Big 12 team will represent the conference in the College Football Playoff.

Oklahoma drubbed TCU 38-20 on November 11 in Norman, Okla.

Why TCU can do this:

1. It’s never easy to beat a team twice in a year.

2. Instead of playing in Norman, Okla., this rematch will be played close to home for the Horned Frogs.

3. TCU will, seemingly, have the mental edge after getting their clocks cleaned by the Sooners on Nov. 11.

4. Defensive end Mat Boesen was ejected (unfairly, it appeared) early in the first game for kicking at Sooners players. That significantly hamstrung the pressure TCU’s defense could bring.

5. TCU held Oklahoma scoreless in the second half after allowing 38 first-half points. No one can study film and make the appropriate alterations better than Gary Patterson.

Why Oklahoma will make it a sweep:

1. Baker Mayfield is a freak and will prove it again in Arlington. Mayfield threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns in the first meeting. The Heisman trophy candidate shows no signs of fading.

2. Oklahoma is a better, deeper team than TCU. That appeared evident on November 11. That won’t change on December 2.

3. Rodney Anderson can’t be stopped. The running back rushed for 151 yards and caught five passes for 139 yards and combined for four touchdowns against TCU.

4. The Sooners have more to play for. Even if TCU wins, the chances that the College Football Playoff committee will choose them to compete in the playoff are slim, especially with two losses. The Sooners only have one loss and Big 12 championship win should propel them into the playoff.

5. Oklahoma’s defense has enough to slow down Kenny Hill and the TCU offense, which was held to 424 yards. Hill was held to 13 of 28 for 270 yards passing.

This story was originally published November 24, 2017 at 2:34 PM with the headline "How TCU’s rematch with Oklahoma could be different in Big 12 championship."