No. 8 Oklahoma Shuts Down No. 23 Missouri, 17–6, as Sooners’ Defense Dominates in Playoff Push

John Mateer Throws Two Touchdowns While Oklahoma’s Defense Allows Just Six Points, Strengthening the Sooners’ CFP Position

NORMAN, Okla. | No. 8 Oklahoma continued its march toward the College Football Playoff with a gritty, defense-first 17–6 victory over No. 23 Missouri on Saturday. Quarterback John Mateer delivered two touchdown passes, but it was the Sooners’ imposing defensive unit that stole the show, holding the Tigers without a touchdown and shutting down one of the SEC’s most physical offenses.

With the win, Oklahoma (10–1) continues to solidify its standing inside the top ten, positioning itself as a legitimate contender for a CFP berth entering the final stretch of the regular season. Missouri (8–3), meanwhile, saw its momentum blunted after failing to reach the end zone for the first time this season.

SOONERS STRIKE EARLY BEHIND MATEER

Oklahoma opened the scoring with a sharp, 74-yard drive capped by Mateer’s precision strike to the back corner of the end zone. The sophomore quarterback maintained steady control from the pocket, mixing intermediate throws with timely check-downs to keep Missouri’s defense off balance.

Mateer’s second touchdown pass came late in the second quarter, pushing the Sooners ahead 14–3 and providing all the cushion the defense needed.

DEFENSE DELIVERS STATEMENT PERFORMANCE

Oklahoma’s defensive front was relentless from start to finish. Led by their edge-rushing tandem and a secondary that blanketed Missouri’s receivers, the Sooners allowed just two field goals and repeatedly forced the Tigers into long-yardage situations.

Missouri’s offense, typically fueled by explosive plays, never found rhythm. Oklahoma’s linebackers clogged rushing lanes, the secondary forced tight throwing windows, and the pass rush delivered consistent pressure, preventing Missouri quarterback Brady Cook from generating any vertical momentum.

The Sooners allowed only six points—their fewest given up against a ranked opponent this season.

MISSOURI STAYS CLOSE BUT CAN'T BREAK THROUGH

Despite its offensive struggles, Missouri’s defense kept the game within reach into the second half. A 42-yard field goal cut the Oklahoma lead to 14–6 early in the third quarter, but Missouri never seized momentum.

A late Sooners field goal extended the gap to 17–6, and from there, Oklahoma’s defensive unit slammed the door, forcing consecutive Tiger punts to close out the game.

CFP IMPLICATIONS

Oklahoma’s win tightens its hold on a top-eight position in the College Football Playoff rankings, with a clear path to a playoff berth if it can finish the season strong. Missouri, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to collect a high-quality road win that could have elevated its postseason outlook.

STAT LEADERS

• Oklahoma – John Mateer: 2 passing TDs
• Oklahoma Defense: 0 TDs allowed, 2 field goals surrendered
• Missouri – Offense: Held without a touchdown

Oklahoma enters a pivotal rivalry matchup next week, while Missouri looks to rebound at home in its regular-season finale.

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-- By Frank Atkinson

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