The Oklahoma Sooners didn’t just beat the University of Missouri Tigers — they buried them. On November 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST, in a cold, gritty Southeastern Conference showdown, Oklahoma’s defense held Missouri to a mere six points in a 17-6 victory that now puts the Sooners one win away from the College Football Playoff. The game, documented by the National Collegiate Athletic Association under game ID 6459237, wasn’t pretty by offensive standards — but it was perfect for anyone who believes football is won up front.
Defense Wins Championships — Again
For 60 minutes, the Sooners’ defense looked like a wall with teeth. Missouri’s offense managed just 212 total yards, three first downs in the second half, and zero touchdowns. They were held to 2.8 yards per carry. Quarterback Jalen Granger, who’d thrown for over 2,000 yards this season, completed just 12 of 28 passes and threw an interception that was returned to the Missouri 15-yard line — setting up Oklahoma’s decisive touchdown drive. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams (yes, that Caleb Williams, now in his final season), didn’t need to be flashy. Three field goals, a 14-yard run by running back Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jalen Washington were all it took. The real story? The Sooners’ defense forced three turnovers and sacked Granger four times. It wasn’t just dominance — it was a statement.
Missouri’s Season Ends in Silence
For the University of Missouri, this loss wasn’t just a setback — it was the final nail. At 7-5, the Tigers were already on the bubble. But after falling to 1-5 in conference play and being outscored 73-17 in their last three games, their hopes for a New Year’s Six bowl — let alone the College Football Playoff — evaporated. Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, once praised for his offensive innovation, now faces mounting pressure. His offense has scored fewer than 20 points in four of five games since October. “We didn’t execute,” Drinkwitz said afterward. “We didn’t move the chains. We didn’t make plays when we had to.” The crowd in Columbia, Missouri, stayed quiet. No chants. No cheers. Just the wind blowing through the empty seats.
Oklahoma’s Path to the Playoff
Now, the University of Oklahoma sits at 10-2, with a chance to clinch the Southeastern Conference Championship Game — and with it, a likely CFP berth — by beating Texas in the season finale on December 6. The College Football Playoff selection committee, composed of 13 former coaches and administrators, has already signaled that a 12-1 Oklahoma team with a win over Texas and a dominant defensive performance like Saturday’s will be nearly impossible to ignore. “They’re playing with a purpose,” said former Alabama AD Bill Battle, now a CFP committee member. “They’ve got the resume, the signature win, and the defense to compete with anyone.”
What the Numbers Don’t Show
Betting markets had the game pegged at 42.5 total points — Oklahoma favored by 4.5. The final score? 23 total points. That’s not just an upset — it’s a collapse of expectations. Sportsbooks like Covers.com saw a 60% surge in bets on the under after kickoff. The Sooners’ defense didn’t just win the game — it rewrote the narrative. For years, Oklahoma was known for high-scoring, air-it-out offenses. Now, under head coach Brent Venables, they’ve become the most feared unit in the SEC. Venables, a former Clemson defensive coordinator who rebuilt Oklahoma’s identity after Lincoln Riley’s departure, has turned the Sooners into a physical, disciplined team. “We’re not trying to be pretty,” he said after the game. “We’re trying to be effective.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Playoff
This game wasn’t just about four teams and a trophy. It’s about the future of college football. The Southeastern Conference, now with 16 teams, is the undisputed powerhouse. But with the CFP expanding to 12 teams in 2026, the stakes for this season are even higher. A strong finish by Oklahoma could cement the SEC’s claim to three playoff spots — a scenario that would leave the Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12 scrambling. Meanwhile, Missouri’s loss underscores the growing gap between elite programs and those stuck in mediocrity. The Tigers haven’t won a conference title since 2013. They haven’t made the CFP since its inception. And unless Drinkwitz can fix his offense — fast — they may be headed for another decade of irrelevance.
What’s Next?
Oklahoma’s final regular-season game against Texas on December 6 will be a de facto playoff qualifier. A win means a trip to the SEC Championship Game on December 7 in Atlanta. A loss? They’re still likely in — but now they’d have to hope the committee overlooks a loss to a 10-2 Texas team. Meanwhile, Missouri’s season ends with a trip to Arkansas on December 7 — a game that means nothing in the standings, but everything for morale. The Tigers will be playing for pride. The Sooners? They’re playing for history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect Oklahoma’s chances in the College Football Playoff?
Oklahoma now needs just one more win — either against Texas or in the SEC Championship Game — to all but lock up a top-four seed. With a 10-2 record, a dominant win over Missouri, and a defense that ranks No. 3 nationally in points allowed, the Sooners have the resume the selection committee craves. Even if they lose to Texas, a 11-2 record with a win over a top-10 Missouri team and a strong SEC schedule is likely enough.
Why was Missouri’s offense so ineffective?
Oklahoma’s defensive line, led by All-American defensive end Jaylen Johnson, overwhelmed Missouri’s offensive line, generating pressure on 60% of dropbacks. Missouri’s offensive coordinator changed play-calling mid-game, abandoning the run too early, and quarterback Jalen Granger was rattled by constant blitzes. They had zero plays longer than 20 yards. It wasn’t just bad luck — it was a complete tactical shutdown.
What role did Brent Venables play in this win?
Venables transformed Oklahoma’s identity. After years of high-octane offenses under Riley, he rebuilt the defense from scratch, bringing in 12 new defensive staff members and emphasizing physicality over speed. The result? Oklahoma leads the SEC in tackles for loss (11.4 per game) and has allowed the fewest red-zone touchdowns in the conference. This wasn’t a fluke — it was the product of two years of deliberate, disciplined coaching.
Could Missouri still make a bowl game?
Yes — but not a New Year’s Six. With a 7-5 record, Missouri is likely headed to the Liberty Bowl or the Texas Bowl, both of which typically take teams from the SEC with losing conference records. Their bowl fate will be decided by the NCAA’s selection committee on December 8, but they’ll be a low-priority pick. Fans in Columbia are already bracing for another underwhelming postseason appearance.
How does this impact the SEC’s claim to multiple CFP spots?
A win over Texas would give Oklahoma a 12-1 record, likely making them the SEC champion. With Georgia and LSU also in the top 10, the SEC could have three teams in the 12-team playoff in 2026 — something the committee has signaled it’s open to. This win proves Oklahoma can compete with elite defenses, not just blow out weaker teams. It strengthens the argument that the SEC deserves multiple bids.
