Back to the Oklahoma Sooners Newsfeed

OU football: Lincoln Riley trusts his defense and wins fifth straight Big 12 title

ARLINGTON, Texas — Lincoln Riley thought about it. He debated in his mind. In those nano-seconds available for a coach’s make-or-break decision. Riley considered keeping his offense on the field.

After all, that’s what you do at Oklahoma. Trust your Heisman Trophy-contending quarterback, be it Baker Mayfield or Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts. No need to trouble the defense. Let the defense stand on the sideline and enjoy the show.

The Sooners faced fourth down from the Baylor 47-yard line with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter Saturday, the Big 12 Championship Game tied. Three measly yards would have allowed OU to keep the ball and win with a field goal from can’t-miss Gabe Brkic.