College Football Playoff projection: No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners

Jeff Hauser

College Football Playoff projection: No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners image

Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman/USA TODAY NETWORK

The Oklahoma Sooners come into the final weeks ranked No. 8 in the latest College Football Playoff projection by On3's Andy Staples.

Once again, the Sooners leaned on its defense in edging No. 22 Missouri Tigers 17-6 on Saturday, keeping its Playoff hopes alive. This has been the story since quarterback John Mateer went out with a hand injury. 

The OU offense had stalled while the defense is full speed ahead. Not a good combination and the biggest point of vulnerability going forward. Oklahoma’s stingy defense held the Tigers to a season-low 70 rushing yards and shut them out in the second half. 

Coach Brent Venables described the team simply: “grimy,” and that assessment said it all. “Whether it’s a pretty win or an ugly win, we’re going to find a way to win,” Mateer added. 

With the win, Oklahoma improved to 9-2 overall and 5-2 in the conference, setting up a showdown next week with LSU Tigers that could clinch a playoff berth. 

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Staff Writer