It has been a wild college football season for everyone. Oklahoma football started out 1-2 dropping its first two conference games against Kansas State and Iowa State. Now, not only are the Sooners getting the rematch against Iowa State, but it will be for the Big 12 title. Ever since Oklahoma beat Texas, the Sooners have not been stopped. With the last game against West Virginia being canceled due to COVID-19, the Sooners have gotten more time to prepare for the Cyclones, but they are also creeping back into the College Football Playoff.
With the Florida loss to LSU last night and the Miami loss to North Carolina, there is an opening for Oklahoma to sneak back in to the Playoff for a third straight year, though a lot has to happen for the Sooners to get another shot at the national title. As of right now, Oklahoma sits at No. 11 in the rankings.
Obviously the Sooners would have to beat Iowa State and it would look better if the game was not even close. Ohio State would have to lose to Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship, Texas A&M would have to lose to Tennessee, and Clemson would have to lose to Notre Dame for a second time.
A lot of moving parts for the Sooners to get back into the Playoff, but it is still possible. Even with Cincinnati undefeated, Oklahoma would get in over the Bearcats if they won the Big 12. Cincinnati’s resume is not strong with the two best wins being against SMU and Memphis. Georgia is also currently ranked ahead of the Sooners, which would not last long if Oklahoma beats the No. 7 ranked Cyclones in the Big 12 title game.
If Lincoln Riley’s staff and players can stay smart and healthy, Oklahoma has a shot. The Sooners are still missing big offensive players as well, which could really help them if they were to be back before bowl games or even the championship this weekend.
Oklahoma football will win the Big 12 and will handle the Cyclones. Oklahoma was missing players the first time these two met and those missing players have proven very valuable on both sides of the ball. Sooners win 42-21.
Photo courtesy of Iowa State Athletic Communications
Hi there! My name is John Barry. I am a sports journalist at the University of Oklahoma and will be giving you updates and inside scoops on all things Sooners. Have a question or story? Email me @john.f.barry-1@ou.edu