TCU-Oklahoma preview: Key players, matchups and trends
Key matchups
OU quarterback Baker Mayfield vs. the TCU secondary: Plenty has been made of the performance of the TCU defense the past two games. But the Frogs haven’t faced a quarterback as hot as Mayfield. The Texas Tech transfer, who was the Big 12 offensive player of the week after his performance against Baylor, leads an offense averaging 46.1 points a game. Mayfield ranks second in the Big 12 in touchdown passes (21) and passing efficiency. And in case you’ve forgotten, TCU’s secondary has had some issues this season.
Team letdown vs. team wake-up call: The Horned Frogs’ wake-up call came when they hung on late to hold off winless Kansas. Sure, TCU was without quarterback Trevone Boykin, but if that is the only thing that separates TCU from Kansas, there’s trouble in Fort Worth. Certainly, the Kansas game has led to an increased focus at TCU. Oklahoma has to get up after defeating previously unbeaten Baylor in Waco. The win put OU back in the playoff, but it won’t last long if the Sooners can’t get up for another big game.
TCU offense vs. OU defense: Even if Trevone Boykin (ankle) and Josh Doctson (wrist) play, TCU’s offense will have its hands full. The Sooners are working on the conference Triple Crown in defense. They lead the Big 12 in total defense, rush defense and pass defense. If that wasn’t enough, no team in the Big 12 has more interceptions or sacks than OU. The Frogs have to find a way to get healthy in a hurry or it could be tough to move the ball in Norman.
Did you know?
▪ With its win over Baylor, Oklahoma has 53 wins over Associated Press Top 25 teams in the 17 years Bob Stoops has been at the school. That’s the second most in the country during that span (LSU, 57).
▪ Oklahoma is 3-0 against teams that were ranked in the Associated Press top 25 at the time of their game this season. Only two other teams in the Big 12 have wins over top 25 teams (Texas vs. Oklahoma, Oklahoma St. vs TCU).
▪ TCU has two players from Oklahoma: Offensive lineman Jamelle Naff (Del City) has started 25 games in his career and defensive tackle Davion Pearson (Oklahoma City) has made 37 starts, the second most on the team.
Record watch
While quarterback Trevone Boykin’s game against Kansas was cut short by his ankle injury, he did manage to tie Andy Dalton for the most completions in school history with 812. His next will be him sole possession of the record.
Receiver Josh Doctson needs one reception to tie Kelly Blackwell for the all-time receiving mark at TCU. Blackwell had 181 career receptions.
Tarrant ties
Oklahoma has six players on its roster who played their high school ball in Tarrant County, including a pair of standouts. Former Trinity offensive lineman Nila Kasitati has started every game for the Sooners this year. One of OU's top defenders is cornerback Zack Sanchez (Keller Central), who has three interceptions this season despite missing time with an ankle injury. One of the picks came in last weekend's win at Baylor.
This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 2:31 PM with the headline "TCU-Oklahoma preview: Key players, matchups and trends."