Oklahoma lost to Texas, but you’d be crazy if you’re writing the eulogy on their season because their College Football Playoff hopes aren’t dead yet.
It wasn’t the outcome any Oklahoma football fan wanted in the Red River Showdown as the Sooners lost in a shootout, 48-45, as Texas got the win over their rival. Murray accounted for five touchdowns, including one long run to give them life in the fourth quarter that showcased his world-class speed and acceleration.
However, he had two costly turnovers that led to 10 points for Texas. Despite the loss, it’s far too premature to start shoveling dirt on the Sooners and prepping the eulogy. This team is far from dead and anyone counting out this team is either a Texas fan or downright delusional.
There are four goals for Oklahoma football every season.
- Beat Texas
- Beat Oklahoma State
- Win the Big 12
- Win the national championship.
Oklahoma can still accomplish three of those four goals. It stings to lose to your rival and there’s no margin for error, of course, and I’m not trying to diminish that, but there is still the entire season to play for.
The Sooners’ playoff chances dropped from 34 percent to 14, according to ESPN’s playoff predictor, but like Lloyd Christmas said in Dumb and Dumber, “so you’re saying there’s a chance.”
Oklahoma still controls their destiny to get to the Big 12 Conference Championship Game. They don’t even need to worry about someone beating Texas to get there. Oklahoma just needs to win out, which means beating Oklahoma State in Bedlam and beating West Virginia in the regular season finale.
If they get a rematch with Texas in that game and win, they will be in a position to potentially get one of the four spots in the Playoff. The margin of error is thinner than had they won, but they are still very much alive to win the Big 12, get in the Playoff and win the National Championship Game. As long as Murray is healthy, I’m not going to count them out, and neither should you.