At the gripping showdown in Norman, Dillon Gabriel’s three touchdown passes were the highlight, particularly given his history with the opposition. The No. 6 Sooners showcased resilience, warding off UCF’s robust attempt to upend them, and finally securing a nail-biting 31-29 victory this Saturday.
The drama began when Oklahoma, with a 7-0 lead at the start of the second quarter, looked set for a goal-line stand. However, a controversial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Sooners’ linebacker, Jaren Kanak, shifted momentum, granting the Knights an unexpected advantage. Capitalizing on this, Plumlee swiftly equalized with a touchdown, making it 7-7.
The Sooners’ prowess was evident when Gabriel connected with Anderson for a remarkable 42-yard touchdown pass, pushing Oklahoma ahead 14-10. But UCF swiftly responded. A stunning 86-yard touchdown pass from Plumlee to Baker, just 27 seconds later, posed a new challenge. Gabe Schmit, making amends for his prior misses, nailed a field goal, leveling the halftime score at 17-17.
The plot thickened as UCF edged forward with a 23-17 lead entering the fourth quarter. A tactful pass from Gabriel to Drake Stoops resulted in an 11-yard touchdown, tying the game. Schmit’s following extra point nudged the Sooners ahead, 24-23. A notable collaboration between Gavin Sawchuk and Marcus Major gained 49 yards, paving the way for Sawchuk’s decisive 30-yard touchdown. This extended Oklahoma’s lead to 31-23 with just over three minutes left.
Nevertheless, UCF was relentless. Baker’s 12-yard touchdown reception tightened the gap, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. In UCF’s audacious attempt for a two-point conversion to tie the game, Xavier Townsend was halted by Oklahoma’s Kendel Dolby. After Austin Stogner securely collected UCF’s onside kick, the Sooners ran down the clock to seal their win.
Poll Insights
Despite being favorites, the narrow victory might cause the Sooners to drop slightly in the rankings.
Key Takeaways
UCF: The Knights displayed an outstanding performance, with Plumlee’s skill evident throughout. Their previously criticized defense displayed grit and resolve against a strong Oklahoma side.
Oklahoma: The Sooners prevailed, navigating past early challenges. Their tactical emphasis on ground play in the concluding quarter was pivotal to their win.
Looking Ahead
UCF is set to welcome West Virginia in their upcoming match, whereas Oklahoma will venture out for a clash against Kansas this Saturday.