The Associated Press
TCU (2-2, 0-1) at No. 11 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0), 6 p.m. (FOX)
Line: Oklahoma by 11
Series record: Oklahoma leads 8-4
WHAT’S AT STAKE
After a rousing win at Notre Dame, Oklahoma swings back into conference action looking to stake a claim as the early Big 12 favorite — especially after early stumbles by TCU and Oklahoma State in conference games — and move to 5-0 for the third time in four seasons. A win by TCU would propel the Horned Frogs back into the conference contention.
KEY MATCHUP
Oklahoma quarterback Blake Bell has put up impressive numbers in his first two starts and is coming off a 22-of-30 passing, 232-yard, two-touchdown effort in a 35-21 win at Notre Dame. He hasn’t thrown an interception this season. Bell will face a TCU defense that has the longest current streak among Football Bowl Subdivision teams of holding an opponent to less than 60 percent completion percentage. The Horned Frogs also have 15 sacks, fifth-best in the FBS.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
TCU: CB Jason Verrett, who since the start of the 2012 season leads the FBS in passes defended with 29 — a number that includes six interceptions, a category in which he led the Big 12 last season. He helped shut down top receivers for LSU (Odell Beckham Jr.) and Texas Tech (Eric Ward) earlier this season, allowing them a combined one catch for eight yards.
Oklahoma: LB Corey Nelson, who after a self-described subpar junior season in 2012, now leads the Sooners in tackles with 21 (12 solo) and three tackles for loss. He also has broken up three passes. Nelson started the Sooners rolling against Notre Dame with a first-quarter interception return for a touchdown.
FACTS AND FIGURES
TCU coach Gary Patterson is 14-11 against ranked opponents, including the 2005 win at then-No. 5 Oklahoma that was the first home nonconference loss for the Sooners under Stoops, who started coaching them in 1999 . The Horned Frogs have won 16 of their last 18 conference road games, with the losses coming at Oklahoma State last season and Texas Tech this season . Oklahoma is one of only three FBS teams (joining Michigan and Stanford) who are 4-0 this season, with all four wins coming against other FBS programs. Â