Oklahoma vs. TCU: Sooners’ Players of the Game

Oct 5, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Blake Bell (10) slides for a first down in the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

There is little question that the Oklahoma Sooners game with the TCU Horned Frogs was one of the closest, most nerve wracking games of the season. While Notre Dame came back to challenge OU in the second half last week, TCU actually looked like they were going to pull off the come-from-behind win this week. However, OU stood strong and held on to increase their record to 5-0 on the season.

Here is a look at the Oklahoma Sooners players of the game for the big win over TCU.

Blake Bell

I have been complaining about Blake Bell not running the Belldozer when OU needed to pick up short yardage for the last week. It looks like the Sooners were just saving it for a rainy day, because they broke it out this week and it worked magic for the team. The passing game for OU was shut down thanks to the TCU secondary, easily the best that OU has seen this season.

Every time that Bell dropped back to pass, the coverage was so great that there was nowhere to throw the ball. That was ok, because Blake Bell has a steamroller mentality. In the first half, Bell kept a drive alive when the Sooners pulled out the Belldozer for the first time this season. Then, in the fourth quarter, when OU was only up by three and needed something special, Bell ran twice for first downs to finally end the game. The second run saw him barrel over a defender and keep running.

That is why fans love Blake Bell as much as they do.

Blake Bell finished with his lowest passing numbers of the season, completing 20 of 31 for 152 yards and no touchdowns, but that was more about the receivers not getting open. 64 percent is still a nice rate, and Bell still hasn’t thrown an interception. He added 61 net rushing yards, including the important first downs. Blake Bell won this game for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Brennan Clay

In the first half, Oklahoma didn’t need to do too much on offense because their defense shut down the TCU offense. In the second half, TCU came alive and started to score points. After they cut the OU lead to 13-10, it looked like the Horned Frogs were about to roar back for the come-from-behind victory. It could have happened too, as TCU did score another touchdown.

However, before that could happen, OU took over after a punt on their own 24 yard line. Blake Bell handed the ball to Brennan Clay, who burst through the line and it was off to the races. Five TCU defenders gave chase, but Clay outran them for 76 yards and scored the touchdown that made sure OU held on to win the game.