OU 3-2-1 KICKOFF
NORMAN — OU concludes its regular season with a road game against Texas Tech at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Sooners (6-5, 2-5 Big 12) gained bowl eligibility with a 28-13 win over Oklahoma State in Week 12, while the Red Raiders (6-5, 4-4 Big 12) did the same with a 14-10 win over Iowa State. Here's a look at some key points to watch when the two teams play:
3 players to watch
Tight end Brayden Willis: After jumping out to a hot start this season, the fifth-year senior hasn't been too involved in the receiving game lately. Willis has made a combined eight catches for 70 yards and no touchdowns in OU's last three contests. Left tackle Anton Harrison: The junior has emerged as one of the top offensive linemen in the nation, and he'll look to be an anchor Saturday for a group that might be shorthanded. Junior center Andrew Raym didn't suit up against OSU due to an apparent shoulder injury, while senior Wanya Morris got hurt in Bedlam and didn't return.
Defensive back CJ Coldon: The redshirt senior has emerged as one of OU's top playmakers on that side of the ball, and he showed out against OSU. Coldon broke up three passes and made an interception, giving him a team-high three this season. OU's defense played its best football of the season against OSU, and Coldon deserves plenty of credit for that.
2 big questions
Can OU extend its drives? In its last two games against West Virginia and OSU, OU has gone a combined 2 for 28 on third- and fourth-down conversion attempts (7.1%). This inability to extend drives has made it difficult for the Sooners to control the clock, especially down the stretch. OU has been outscored 13-0 in the fourth quarter during the past two weeks.
Can the Sooners finish their regular season strong?
It's no secret that this season has been a disappointment for OU. Becoming bowl eligible with a Bedlam win went a long way toward easing the pain of Sooners fans, but there's still plenty of work to do. OU's players and coaches have talked endlessly about finishing strong, and they can do that with a win over Texas Tech.
1 wild prediction
OU's defense will secure the win with a late interception:
OU's defense has recorded eight interceptions in the last three games. Now, it's tasked with facing a Texas Tech offense that is tied for the most interceptions thrown in the Big 12 this season (16). All signs point to Saturday's game being a close one, and the Sooners' ability to get takeaways could be the deciding factor.