(1) Oklahoma 27,(8) Kansas St. 24
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Oklahoma had to hang on to stay perfect. Again.
After a stunning midseason run to No. 1, the Sooners stumbled in their final three regular-season games, but found a way to win them all.
That happened again Saturday night against No. 8 Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game.
The Sooners were outplayed in the first half, but used a blocked punt to set up a touchdown that left them tied at halftime. Then in the second half, they made just enough plays on offense and got a stout performance from the defense to win 27-24.
"The season wouldn't have been complete without this one," coach Bob Stoops said. "We needed to finish the season like this."
Josh Heupel threw a season-high three interceptions, which may have dented his Heisman Trophy chances. But he threw two touchdown passes, ran for a score, and executed a beautiful option pitch on a crucial fourth-quarter fourth-down play, leading to the go-ahead touchdown.
Oklahoma began the year ranked No. 19. After winning its first four games against a soft schedule, with all the games at home, the Sooners took on No. 11 Texas in Dallas, No. 2 Kansas State in Manhattan and top-ranked Nebraska at home.
Oklahoma won them all, handily, and suddenly the school's first perfect regular season since 1987 seemed within reach.
But it wouldn't be easy. The Sooners had to rally from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win at Texas A&M. "We've had a long run," Stoops said this week, talking about the mental strain of the season. "There's a lot there that may be a factor. I don't believe it is, but I know this: It's all behind us. Now our guys see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Now, the light is even brighter. Oklahoma's next game will be in the Orange Bowl, for the national championship.