College Football Preview – Oklahoma Sooners vs. TCU Horned Frogs

The Oklahoma Sooners have been the most fortunate team in college football this year. Oklahoma could easily be 3-3, but the Sooners are still 6-0 with legitimate College Football Playoff hopes despite their poor play. They are the favorites to win the Big 12 for the seventh straight season, yet this team is a lot more flawed than past Sooners teams, so the TCU Horned Frogs could pull off the upset on Saturday night.

TCU will head north to Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma to face the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

College Football Betting Odds

TCU +13.5

Oklahoma -13.5

Total 63.5

Lincoln Riley has a horseshoe hidden somewhere on the sidelines. The Sooners should not be undefeated with all their wins over FBS foes being by seven points or less, but they have managed to do just enough on both sides of the ball to stay unscathed. Oklahoma overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Texas last week to the continuing dismay of its biggest rival.

TCU is 3-2 with both of its losses coming by a possession or less. The Horned Frogs are no longer great on defense under Gary Patterson, but they have a competent offense with Max Duggan leading the way under center.

When Oklahoma Has the Ball

Preseason Heisman Trophy favorite Spencer Rattler may have started his last game with Oklahoma. Rattler was pulled early against Texas last week, as this offense was unable to move the ball effectively. Caleb Williams gave the Sooners an immediate jolt, and his mobility might be just what this offensive line needs, as they have struggled to block for Rattler. Williams threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns and had a 66-yard run last week in a surprising cover against the Longhorns.

The Sooners do not rank in the top 20 in total offense or scoring offense, as this offense has not been as good with Rattler. They are averaging 5.3 YPC though, and they should be more potent on the ground assuming Williams starts on Saturday.

TCU has really struggled on defense in 2021. The Horned Frogs are allowing 5.8 YPC and 8.8 YPA, ranking outside the top 110 teams in both categories. That could make this a “get right” game for OU.

When TCU Has the Ball

Max Duggan is having a solid season off play action. He is completing almost 65% of his passes for 8.6 YPA with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Duggan is also a competent runner, averaging 3.5 YPC for the Horned Frogs.

The ground game has done a great job moving the chains. Zach Evans has run for 586 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 7.9 YPC. Meanwhile, Kendre Miller has run for 302 yards and six scores, averaging 8.9 YPC.

This Oklahoma defense has improved under Alex Grinch’s watch, but the Sooners have struggled against the pass in 2021. They are allowing 8.2 YPA and 294.4 YPG through the air, so Duggan can make them pay. Oklahoma has been much better stopping the run, so this game will depend on whether or not Duggan can beat these defensive backs.

Prediction

Although Oklahoma seems to have a real advantage here, the Sooners are in prove it territory. Double digits are too much to lay until this team can prove itself once more, so back TCU.

Follow our Twitter account for the latest sports news and wagering odds, and come to

our Instagram for more useful betting info too.