Instant Analysis: OU Dominates Bedlam, Wins Big 12

Oklahoma squashed OSU 58-23 in Stillwater on Saturday to win the Big 12 title. Here’s the instant analysis, stick around for the full recap:

What it means for OU

Bob Stoops has his ninth Big 12 title. The Sooners seem to be peaking at the right time, and thanks to Notre Dame’s loss at Stanford, should be a lock for the College Football Playoff. OU will get to rest up next week and watch it all come together.  

What it means for OSU

The Cowboys missed out on another shot at a Big 12 title. This one will sting for obvious reasons, but OSU can take solace in the fact that it won 10 games with a banged-up defense and zero run game. It speaks to the quality of the coaching staff and the leadership from the upperclassmen. The season isn’t over for OSU, either. The Pokes have earned themselves a solid bowl matchup.

Turning point

OU pulled away quickly with a 27-0 run that spanned from the end of the first quarter to midway through the second. Long touchdown runs from Semaje Perine and Joe Mixon helped the Sooners open up the lead.

Game balls

OU: It’s too hard to pick just one Sooner, so this one goes to offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley. Seemingly everything OU did worked beautifully. The runs were well-timed, the passes were effective – Riley’s stock continues to rise.

OSU: James Washington got the better of OU’s Zack Sanchez on multiple deep passes. Washington, one of the best receivers in the country, hauled in seven balls for 169 yards and a touchdown.

What’s next

OU will wait around for a couple of weeks to learn its playoff fate. After being ranked No. 3 this week, the Sooners are almost certainly in, but it’s a matter of what seed. If Clemson beats UNC for the ACC title, and Alabama beats Florida for the SEC title, OU’s ceiling will likely be that third spot.

For the Cowboys, a 10-2 season is nothing to be ashamed of. OSU will await its bowl fate, but you can expect a pretty solid matchup.