Oklahoma vs. TCU: Preview and Prediction
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Big 12 game in our TCU vs. Oklahoma preview and prediction.
Game Info
7:00 p.m. Central Time, Saturday November 23rd, 2019, Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma.
TV: FOX
TCU Radio: WBAP 820 AM in Dallas/Fort Worth, KTCU 88.7 FM
Oklahoma Radio: Sooner Sports Network
Spread: Oklahoma (-19)
Fun Fact: Since joining the conference in 2012, TCU has played Oklahoma eight times and have just beaten the Sooners once which was back in the 2014 season.
Key Players
TCU
QB Max Duggan
As a true freshman, I would expect for Max to have an up and down season. That’s proven to be true for Max as he has thrown for 15 touchdowns on 7 picks this season while completing a little over 56% of his passes. However, last week maybe was a turn the corner type of game as he had his best performance in a TCU uniform in a 33-31 win over Texas Tech on the road. Also, don’t forget he can make plays with his legs as well. If TCU is to compete with Oklahoma in the national spotlight on Saturday, Max will likely have to have the game of his life.
LB Garret Wallow
There is no doubt who the leader of the TCU defense is because it’s Garrett Wallow the stud linebacker for the Horned Frogs. He leads the team in tackles by a wide margin and consistently makes plays for this defense. Garret is going to have to get him and hi teammates fired up on Saturday night to go against a high-powered Oklahoma offense.
Oklahoma
QB Jalen Hurts
Good half, bad half, it doesn’t matter because Jalen is the best quarterback in the Big 12. Sure, he has his bad moments at times like he did last weekend against Baylor but for the most part, he has been lights out this season. Jalen has thrown for 28 scores on just 5 picks this season as he is completing an absurd 73% of his passes. Oh yeah, did I mention that he also had rushed for 983 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns too? Jalen is on another level folks.
LB Kenneth Murray
Much like Garret Wallow for TCU, Kenneth Murray is the leader of the Oklahoma defense. Sometimes he gets lost in the shuffle of the game but make no mistake, he is one of the most athletic linebackers in the entire country. Going up against TCU, Kenneth will be a crucial piece in helping to stop that TCU run game and most importantly, chasing down Max Duggan when he runs.
Game Plan
TCU
Offensively, TCU needs to do what they do best. They need to run the football and more importantly, control the game and by that, I mean the clock. If the Frogs can run the football and control the game at a slow pace, that means that high-powered Oklahoma offense is on the sideline. That’s the big key for the offense. If they can run the football, then they have a good shot, if not then this team will be in trouble. On defense, you want to hope that the offense will do their part. The most important thing for the defense is going to be on third downs and in the red zone. Oklahoma is going to move the football but if TCU can force them into some kick attempts rather than touchdowns, then they have done their job.
Oklahoma
There is no doubt that they TCU defense is legit but for the Sooner, just be creative and let Jalen do his thing. TCU hasn’t seen a quarterback as good as Jalen all season long and especially one who can run like Jalen. I think being balanced will be key here and another thing I want to see is if CeeDee Lamb will play this weekend. If so, that will force TCU to put extra attention on him which could open the targets for other guys who may see one on one coverage. As for the defense, it’s simple. Stop the run at all cost. Make Max Duggan beat you with his arm.
Prediction
Oklahoma 38, TCU 24
While I think TCU may keep things interesting in the first half, I have a hard time seeing the Horned Frogs offense make enough plays to stay in this game for four full quarters. TCU is so reliant on the running game and I believe Oklahoma will sell out to stop the run forcing Max Duggan to throw the football which could lead to some crucial mistakes. Oklahoma will do what they do best and rack up points on offense on senior night in Norman. I’ll take the Sooners at home.
Powered by RedCircle
**We now have FREE Big 12 Forums here at Heartland College Sports. Go sign up here and join our conversation! **
