Clock expires takeaways: OU plays waiting game after taking down TCU
The question all week for OU was about who would be the starting quarterback. Would Dillon Gabriel come back for one last ride in Norman? Or would the Jackson Arnold era officially begin?
It was Gabriel, and he gave Oklahoma fans one last show. The Sooners were dominant early and closed out their Big 12 tenure in a solid way with a 69-45 victory against visiting TCU on Friday afternoon.
A little taste of sweet revenge after the 55-24 thumping TCU put on OU last season in Fort Worth. This time around, it’s Brent Venables and the Sooners enjoying the moment and earning win No. 10.
Your as the clock expires takeaways.
Gabriel goes out in style
From the very first play, Gabriel and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby were ready to have some fun. Gabriel accounted for three touchdowns and threw for 278 yards in the first half.
It began with a 50-yard completion to Nic Anderson. Gabriel also threw a 59-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Gibson and a 53-yard touchdown to Brenen Thompson.
We all believe this will be Gabriel’s last game in Norman, and he got to go out his way. Gabriel threw for 400 yards and accounted for four touchdowns.
Stoops, too
You couldn’t have an OU senior day without a moment with Drake Stoops. A quiet first half, but Stoops came alive in the second half.
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And with TCU threatening to make it more competitive, one last STOOPS moment for Owen Field. Stoops hauled in a 9-yard touchdown reception to make it 52-31 late in the third quarter.
He finished the afternoon with 12 catches for 125 yards and that one final score.
Sawchuk continues to roll
After barely touching the ball in the first quarter, running back Gavin Sawchuk came alive the rest of the way. He ran for two touchdowns in the second quarter. And managed to once again break the 100-yard mark for the fourth straight game.
Sawchuk rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns.
Bowman seals it
OU was well on its way toward victory when safety Billy Bowman put the cherry on top. For the second straight week, he had an interception return for a touchdown.
It is his third this season. Bowman also finished with nine tackles.
Up next
Who knows? No, seriously? We could be in Arlington next weekend for the Big 12 championship. Could be in the Alamo Bowl? Could be a New Year’s Six Bowl? It’s all scoreboard watching the next 36 hours for OU. But the Sooners did what they needed to and end the regular season on a three-game winning streak.
