TCU Football Week 13 Opponent Preview: Oklahoma Sooners

One opponent stands between TCU and bowl eligibility... The Oklahoma Sooners, who are seeking a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game.

At 5-6, the TCU Horned Frogs must win this Friday in order to become bowl eligible. That must-win scenario becomes even more monumental when considering their opponent, the No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners (9-2, 6-2 Big 12), who also must win this game to keep Big 12 Championship Game hopes alive. While Oklahoma needs additional help, Brent Venables & Co. know they have to take care of business in Norman first.

And there you have it – a win-or-go-home situation on both sidelines, to some regard.

TCU at Oklahoma kicks off Friday at 11:00 a.m. CT on FOX.

Oct 1, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Damond Harmon (17) injures himself as TCU Horned Frogs running back Emani Bailey (9) runs with the ball during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

TCU vs. Oklahoma Series History

For the foreseeable future, this will be the final installment of the Oklahoma-TCU series. The Sooners haven't had much trouble with the Horned Frogs historically, owning a 17-6 all-time lead. TCU did take last season's meeting in 55-24 convincing fashion, but otherwise haven't claimed a victory over OU since 2014.

The series initially began in 1945, when Oklahoma took three-of-five meetings over TCU until the series discontinued in 1948. The two only played six times from 1948-2012; in that span, the Sooners won four times. TCU and Oklahoma didn't meet for nearly 50 seasons until more regular meetings picked back up in 1993.

The Frogs last won in Norman in 2005. The 17-10 victory over No. 5 Oklahoma was TCU's first win over an opponent ranked that high since beating No. 1 Texas 6-0 in 1961. 

The only postseason meeting between the Sooners and Frogs resulted in a resounding 41-17 OU win in the 2015 Big 12 Championship Game.

Oklahoma departs the Big 12 for the SEC beginning next season.

Nov 23, 2019; Norman, OK, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson runs out with his team before the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma Players To Note

Oklahoma's most notable player, quarterback Dillon Gabriel, is questionable to play after sustaining an injury against BYU last week. In his fifth year, Gabriel – a UCF transfer – has over 3,200 yards passing and 27 touchdowns through the air. But his ability doesn't stop in the pocket, as he adds 11 rushing touchdowns. Without Gabriel, the Sooners would front a much different offense.

Receiver Drake Stoops leads the team with 9 receiving touchdowns, but Jalil Farooq may be their biggest threat in the pass game. Farooq also is questionable for Friday's game. The backfield has been split work this year as many of their backs have been injured. Gavin Sawchuk currently carries the load, leading the team in yards (480) and the backs in touchdowns (5).

Defensive standout Danny Stutsman leads the charge on a much-improved Oklahoma defense from last season. The third-year has 91 tackles on the season, 15.5 for a loss, and returned to full reps after missing a week to injury. Ethan Downs is the defensive line standout, leading the team with 4.5 sacks.

True freshman safety Peyton Bowen saw limited work last week due to a lingering injury. Bowen has five defended passes this season, 30 tackles, and a sack.

Oklahoma redshirt senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs the ball during the first quarter of Saturday's game against Kansas inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium :: © Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Sizing Up The Sooners

It goes without saying that Gabriel's availability Friday drastically changes the outlook of this OU team. Behind him stands five-star true freshman Jackson Arnold, who has limited experience this year, mostly cleanup duty in blowouts. Although inexperienced, he's extremely talented, finishing ranked the 10th overall recruit (4th-ranked QB) in the 2023 class.

Should Gabriel play, Oklahoma's offense is incredibly dangerous. His lightning-quick release makes Gabriel nearly impossible to sack – opponents have gotten to him just 12 times all season and just 13% of pressures result in sacks.

The major difference between last year's and this year's Venables-led team comes on the defensive side of the ball. The Sooners improved to 27th in points per opposing drive allowed, as opposed to 75th last season. That unit is no better than in their run defense. OU is 19th nationally in rushing efficiency allowed to their opposition and their 3.9 yards per carry allowed is second in the Big 12.

The stop unit is one of the nation's most disruptive. Oklahoma boasts a +12 turnover margin this year, third-best in the country. However, OU hasn't rushed the passer at an elite rate, posting just a 4.3% sack rate on opposing dropbacks (117th).

Oklahoma's biggest advantage comes in the Venables defensive scheme. Though the defensive coach took heat last season for a poor defense, the scheme has taken in Year 2, and the Sooners are one of the country's most improved defenses.

Those looking for TCU to catch Oklahoma sleeping in Norman are likely looking in vain. The Sooners have a very real chance at Arlington, and it's nearly certain TCU gets this team's best effort.

Oct 21, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) reacts during the second quarter against the UCF Knights at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Opponent Rundown

Team: Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 9-2 (6-2)

Coach: Brent Venables (2nd season)

Scoring Offense: 40.8 points per game (4th)

Scoring Defense: 20.2 points allowed per game (22nd)

Oklahoma 2023 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Result
Sept. 2	Arkansas State	W 73-0
Sept. 9	SMU	W 28-11
Sept. 16	at Tulsa	W 66-17
Sept. 23	at Cincinnati	W 20-6
Sept. 30	Iowa State	W 50-20
Oct. 7	vs. Texas	W 34-30
Oct. 14	BYE
Oct. 21	UCF	W 31-29
Oct. 28	at Kansas	L 38-33
Nov. 4	at Oklahoma State	L 27-24
Nov. 11	West Virginia	W 59-20
Nov. 18	at BYU	W 31-24
Nov. 24	TCU

TCU vs. Oklahoma Game Info

• When: Friday, November 24, 11:00 a.m. CT
• Where: Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Norman, OK)
• TV: FOX

Big 12 Football Week 12: It’s Still A Tight Race For A Championship Berth

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Visit All Sooners, the Oklahoma FanNation site, to see what they are saying about the upcoming game with TCU.