No. 5 Oklahoma makes College Football Playoff case by beating Texas for Big 12 title with defense
It is hard to believe we’re saying this, but Oklahoma’s final argument for the College Football Playoff was made in part by its defense. Yeah, the Sooners’ offense did what it does – including a grinding drive for the clinching score. The highlights will be Kyler Murray doing what he does, or maybe tight end Grant Calcaterra’s one-handed touchdown catch with two minutes left. But that came after a sack-safety that had dramatically altered momentum, allowing the offense to forge a two-score lead. And the Sooners finished Texas off with an interception to win their fourth consecutive Big 12 championship. No one is going to suggest the Sooners’ defense is much more than substandard; but against Texas, they were better than they’d been for most of the season. “This team is still getting better,” Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said. “Our defense is playing better and better. Our best ball is still ahead of us.” Here are takeaways from No. 5 Oklahoma’s 39-27 win against No. 9 Texas: