The Oklahoma Sooners didn’t need fireworks to make a statement—just grit, guts, and one of the most suffocating defensive performances of the 2025 season. On November 22, 2025, in a chilly, low-scoring showdown that felt more like a playoff preview than a regular-season game, the Oklahoma Sooners held off the Missouri Tigers 17-6, all but locking their name into the College Football Playoff conversation. The win wasn’t pretty by offensive standards, but it was brutal in execution. And that’s exactly what the selection committee loves.
Defense That Changed the Game
Missouri entered the game with the nation’s top rusher, Ahmad Hardy, averaging over 150 yards per game. He left with 57 yards on 17 carries—barely more than a single-game average for most running backs. The Oklahoma Sooners defense didn’t just contain him; they erased him. Taylor Wein, the Sooners’ linebacker, was the engine of that shutdown, notching 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hurry, and a forced fumble. His performance was the kind that doesn’t always show up on highlight reels but shows up in box scores—and on committee ballots.
The Sooners forced two interceptions, recorded four sacks, and held Missouri to just 70 rushing yards and 301 total yards. After halftime, the Tigers were completely silenced. Zero points. Zero momentum. Zero chance.
Offense? Just Enough
Don’t mistake this for a lack of offensive effort. The Oklahoma Sooners didn’t need to score 40. They needed to score 17—and they did, with methodical precision. Quarterback J. Mateer managed the game like a veteran, scrambling for key first downs in the fourth quarter, including a 10-yard run that pushed Oklahoma into Missouri territory and a 2-yard dive that sealed the clock. His poise under pressure was the quiet counterpoint to the defensive storm.
Missouri’s offense, led by quarterback Beau Pribula, had flashes—231 passing yards and an 115-yard day from wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr.—but couldn’t find the end zone after the first quarter. A botched fourth-down attempt near the goal line in the third, followed by a critical interception in the fourth, crushed any lingering hope. The Tigers had opportunities. They just didn’t capitalize. And in the College Football Playoff race, that’s the difference between relevance and irrelevance.
Five Wins Over Ranked Teams—That’s the Language the Committee Speaks
This was Oklahoma’s fifth win over a ranked opponent in 2025. Five. And three of those came consecutively. That’s not luck. That’s a resume. The College Football Playoff selection committee doesn’t just look at wins—they look at *who* you beat. And the Sooners have beaten a gauntlet: No. 10 Texas, No. 15 Alabama, No. 18 Kansas State, No. 20 Texas Tech, and now No. 22 Missouri. That’s the kind of résumé that makes even a two-loss team impossible to ignore.
"Playing insanely tough, not turning the ball, doing the little things that it does take to win and being a great teammate, a great leader—that’s how I’ve seen him progress," said an unnamed figure identified only as "Arbuckle" in a CBSSports.com recap. Whether it was a coach, analyst, or former player, the sentiment was clear: Oklahoma isn’t just winning. They’re evolving.
What’s Next? A Top-10 Showdown With LSU
Now, the Sooners (9-2, 5-2 SEC) turn their attention to a monumental home game against LSU on November 29, 2025. The Tigers (8-3, 5-2 SEC) are also in the playoff hunt, and this game could be the de facto SEC West title decider—or the final audition for the College Football Playoff. If Oklahoma wins, they’re in. If they lose? The door cracks open for others.
Meanwhile, Missouri (7-4, 3-4 SEC) heads to Arkansas with their playoff dreams effectively over. Their season now hinges on securing a New Year’s Six bowl bid. But without a signature win and with three losses in their final four games, that’s a tall order.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. In an era where high-octane offenses dominate headlines, Oklahoma reminded everyone that defense still wins championships. They didn’t need 400 yards or six touchdowns. They needed to make one play after another—on third down, in the red zone, in the final minutes. And they did.
The Oklahoma Sooners are no longer just hoping to make the College Football Playoff. They’re demanding a seat at the table. And with LSU looming, the pressure is on. But for now, after shutting down the nation’s best rusher and winning their third straight game against a ranked team, they’ve earned the right to be taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Oklahoma’s defense manage to shut down Ahmad Hardy so effectively?
Oklahoma’s defensive line, led by Taylor Wein, applied constant pressure and contained Hardy’s outside runs, forcing him into tight lanes. The Sooners used a mix of eight-man fronts and safety help over the top, neutralizing Missouri’s misdirection plays. Hardy’s 57 yards on 17 carries was his lowest output since Week 2, and his longest run was just 14 yards.
Why is winning against ranked teams so crucial for the College Football Playoff?
The selection committee prioritizes strength of schedule and quality wins. Oklahoma’s five victories over ranked opponents this season—including three in a row—demonstrate they can compete with the best. Teams with fewer such wins, even with similar records, often get left out. It’s not just about winning—it’s about who you beat.
What’s at stake for Oklahoma’s game against LSU?
A win over LSU (currently ranked No. 9) would likely lock Oklahoma into the top four, regardless of other outcomes. A loss, however, could open the door for teams like Oregon, Ohio State, or even one-loss Alabama. This isn’t just a rivalry game—it’s a playoff audition with national implications.
How does Missouri’s loss impact their bowl prospects?
Missouri’s 7-4 record still makes them eligible for a New Year’s Six bowl, but without a win over a top-10 team and with three losses in their last four games, their chances are slim. They’ll likely land in a lower-tier Power Five bowl like the Texas Bowl or Music City Bowl, depending on other conference outcomes.
Has Oklahoma ever made the College Football Playoff with two losses?
Yes. In 2020, Alabama made the playoff with two losses and went on to win the national title. In 2021, Georgia did too. The key is the quality of those losses and the strength of the wins. Oklahoma’s five ranked wins this season put them in that rare territory—two losses, but still a legitimate contender.
Who is Taylor Wein, and why is he so important to Oklahoma’s defense?
Taylor Wein is a senior linebacker and team captain who leads the Sooners in tackles for loss and pressures this season. His ability to read plays early and disrupt the backfield has been pivotal in key moments. He’s not a household name nationally, but within the SEC, he’s regarded as one of the most consistent and disruptive defensive players in the conference.