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This is it. The game that Frog fans have had circled on their calendars all season long: TCU and Oklahoma.
No. 6 TCU faces No. 5 Oklahoma — at Oklahoma — on Saturday at a prime time 7 p.m. slot. If you're not heading out to Norman, the game airs on FOX. But whether you're staying in or traveling, it's a game with major implications that every Frog fan needs to see.
Here are five things to expect.
1. Offense, offense, offense.
The Sooners straight-up have the best offense in the Big 12. Within the conference, they rank No. 1 in rushing, No. 1 in passing and No. 1 in pass efficiency.
While there's a lot to be said about the team's, well, rather flamboyant quarterback, Oklahoma's run game is anything but overlooked. Running backs Trey Sermon and Rodney Anderson have been electric this season, combining for 1,110 yards and nine touchdowns. Both average about six yards per carry.
2. Baker Mayfield.
Putting aside any history Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield may have with TCU, he’s arguably one of the most talented players in the nation. He’s got one of the Big 12’s best arms, having thrown for 3,226 yards; he’s mobile, rushing for 181 yards and having scored five touchdowns on his feet; and he’s relatively accurate, with a 71.7 percent completion percentage and just five interceptions all season. Thanks to Mayfield, Oklahoma has the best passing offense in the country.
3. Now, about that defense...
The Sooners' defense, on the other hand, is mediocre at best. They allow an average 28 points per game, 413.1 yards per game and especially struggle at defending the pass.
4. The biggest test for TCU's defense.
Oklahoma will likely be the best offense TCU has faced all season. Thankfully for the Frogs, the defense is consistently bringing its A-game to the field. If the Sooners have the best rushing offense in the Big 12, the Frogs have the best rushing defense in the country.
5. A battle for the top.
Both teams are 8-1. Both are fighting for the No. 1 spot in the conference. And both want in on the College Football Playoff as a one-loss team. Outside the championship game itself, this could well be the most important Big 12 game of the year. Expect a lot of emotion. This could only end in tears — happy or sad.