BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: THREE STORYLINES

Fireworks

In each of the past two weeks, the Sooners have faced an opponent who made it a point of trying to rattle OU. Two weeks ago it was Kansas with pregame handshake antics and a hard hit to Baker Mayfield that few a personal-foul penalty. Last week against West Virginia, the Sooners and Mountaineers got into a series of shoving matchups that eventually led to Dru Samia’s ejection. If things take a turn that direction in this one, will Oklahoma be able to react in a positive way?

Strength vs. strength

In the first meeting between these teams, Oklahoma’s offense got the better of TCU’s defense and by halftime, the game was virtually over as the Sooners led 38-14.

Gary Patterson figures to make plenty of adjustments this time around to try to slow down Baker Mayfield, Rodney Anderson and the Sooners’ deep receiving targets. Lincoln Riley also isn’t going to roll out the exact same game plan Oklahoma used in that win three weeks ago. Whichever side adjusts and anticipates the other’s moves better figures to leave AT&T Stadium with the Big 12 crown.

Scoreboard watching

This really only matters if Oklahoma wins, but if the Sooners are able to get past TCU then the question becomes who OU would face in the playoff. All of the other candidates — unless Alabama somehow slips in — are also playing Saturday and all well after the Big 12 title game. Georgia-Auburn and Miami-Clemson are virtual play-in games, while Ohio State-Wisconsin will shape the playoff as well.