Stormin in Norman
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Five Things Bob Stoops’ Sooners Must Do to Win at Houston

By Chip Rouse

Oct 3, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) returns a second quarter interception against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) returns a second quarter interception against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Win the Turnover Battle

Houston is a very opportunistic defense. The Cougars led the nation last season with 35 total takeaways. Most of those (21) came on interceptions, but they did force 14 fumbles.

The Cougars also were one of the nation’s top teams a year ago in turnover margin. Their plus-21 margin ranked as the second best in the country.

This is a pretty solid indicator that Tom Herman’s Houston squad is not going to beat itself. The Sooners did a good job of protecting the football last season, but they’ll have to be better than just good against a team like Houston that thrives on its opponent’s mistakes.

It’s probably a safe assumption that the team that does the best job of protecting the football and wins the turnover battle will win this game.

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