Oklahoma Edges LSU with Late Touchdown, Secures Likely Playoff Berth
The Oklahoma Sooners have clinched a likely spot in the College Football Playoff after a dramatic comeback win against LSU. Despite a rough season last year, Coach Brent Venables and his crew have managed to turn things around, finishing the regular season with a 10-2 record.
The Sooners’ victory over LSU was wild—a 58-yard touchdown pass from John Mateer to Isaiah Sategna sealed a 17-13 win. That one play just about says it all for Oklahoma’s resilience and grit.
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Oklahoma’s Turnaround Season
Last year’s 6-7 finish put the pressure squarely on Coach Brent Venables. He didn’t back down, though, and the results speak for themselves.
The Sooners rattled off four straight wins to end up 10-2 overall, with a 6-2 mark in the SEC. It’s a big leap from where they were just a season ago.
Quarterback John Mateer and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna have been at the heart of this turnaround. Mateer threw three picks against LSU, but still managed 318 yards and two touchdowns.
Sategna was everywhere, hauling in nine passes for 121 yards. His late-game touchdown was the difference-maker.
Defensive Prowess
Oklahoma’s defense deserves a ton of credit. Against LSU, they held the Tigers to just 198 total yards and allowed only two conversions on 14 third-down tries.
That kind of performance under pressure made the win possible. It’s not always flashy, but it works.
During their four-game winning streak, the Sooners have shown a knack for winning even when outgained. Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri—they all put up more yards, but Oklahoma found ways to win.
Key Players and Moments
John Mateer and Isaiah Sategna—what a duo. Mateer’s connection with Sategna, especially in clutch moments, has been a game-changer.
That 58-yard touchdown against LSU with just over four minutes left? Electric. You could feel the momentum shift.
Sategna’s numbers this season are impressive. He leads the team with 65 catches, 948 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Add in 1,276 all-purpose yards and you get a sense of just how much he means to this offense. He’s been the spark they needed.
Coaching and Strategy
Brent Venables has been the steady hand guiding this turnaround. His approach—focusing on resilience and teamwork—has clearly paid off.
He’s leaned on his defense and made sure to put Mateer and Sategna in positions to succeed. When the pressure’s on, Oklahoma hasn’t flinched.
LSU’s Challenges and Future
LSU’s had a tough run, no sugarcoating it. The firing of head coach Brian Kelly and all the coaching rumors haven’t helped.
Interim coach Frank Wilson III has tried to keep things together. After the loss to Oklahoma, he still praised his players for hanging in there.
Injuries have piled up, and their offense just couldn’t get going. Michael Van Buren Jr. filled in at quarterback, passing for 96 yards and rushing for 33, but it wasn’t enough.
Third downs were a struggle, and Oklahoma’s defense just kept shutting the door.
Looking Ahead
LSU’s future? Hard to say, but there’s plenty of buzz around Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin possibly taking over. Maybe that’s the jolt they need.
For Oklahoma, all eyes are on the College Football Playoff now. They’ve shown they can handle the pressure, but the real test is coming up next.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma Sooners just pulled off a big win over LSU. That definitely puts them in the thick of the College Football Playoff conversation.
Coach Brent Venables has really gotten this team to grow up fast. You can see it in the way they handle tough moments.
John Mateer and Isaiah Sategna—those guys have been huge this season. The defense? They’ve been stepping up when it matters.
Playoffs are coming up, and honestly, they’ll have to keep their heads on straight. One slip and all this momentum could fizzle out.
But if they keep playing like this, who’s to say they can’t go deep? It’s looking promising, but you never really know until the games are played.
If you want more on Oklahoma’s season and that wild LSU finish, check out the full article on ESPN.
