No cutesy play calling in the red zone. In fact there was some conservative play calling — yes from Lincoln Riley no less.
Riley showed confidence in an improving defense.
And he was right to do so, as the Sooners took home a 33-14 road win at TCU on Saturday — a win built on stingy defense and the deep-ball connection of Spencer Rattler to Marvin Mims.
Rattler threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns, with both of those receptions to Mims. Mims finished the day with 132 yards receiving, including a 61-yard score in the third quarter.
“I think we got a lot of good things inside of us,” Riley said after the game.
“I think it’s a team that wants to find out how good we can get…I’m excited about where this team can go.”
A late fourth quarter TD by TCU was the only thing that kept this game from being a domination by the Sooners defense.
TCU converted just four of 14 third downs and rushed for only 75 yards. QB Max Duggan completed 25 or 35 passes, but had only one score in the second quarter until the waning minutes of the game. The Horned Frogs were also plagued by 10 penalties and punted eight times.
Rattler’s completion percentage (13 of 22) wasn’t his best, in large part two three dropped passes by usually reliable TE Jason Stogner. But, his deep balls to Mims made up for it. Rattler’s yards per pass attempt was a whopping 15.1 yards.
“I’m excited about where this team can go.” — Lincoln Riley
Oklahoma goes to 3-2 on the season and 2-2 in conference play.
Although the Sooners’ run games was at times stopped by TCU’s trademark stingy defense, Oklahoma ran the ball when they needed to — especially in the second half to maintain their 17-7 halftime lead.
T.J. Pledger led all Sooners rushers with 122 yards on 22 carries and 1 touchdown.
Oklahoma had a 33;16 to 26:44 lead in the time of possession.
Key defensive stops came from defenders David Ugwoegbu, Marcus Stripling and Brian Asamoah.
Oklahoma continues on their October road trips next weekend in Lubbock to take on Texas Tech. The last two Sooner wins in Lubbock have been 51-46 and 66-59. Neither team has that kind of firepower this year, but OU vs. Texas Tech always has its unique moments.
Rattler to Mims for 61 yard TD pass.
Next: Texas Tech in Lubbock (on Halloween Night).
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