Sooners still outside of playoff in USA TODAY Sports latest Bowl Projections after Texas win

The Big 12 season has been absolutely chaotic thus far, filled with numerous upsets and surprising outcomes. However, the Oklahoma Sooners have managed to avoid any letdowns and remain the only team in the conference with an unblemished record. Their recent victory over the Texas Longhorns generated a tremendous amount of buzz on social media, making it the most-watched game of the weekend. As a result, the Sooners’ rankings in various polls, including the US LBM Coaches Poll, the AP Top 25, and Joel Klatt’s top 10, have seen a significant boost. Furthermore, they have now claimed the top spot in our Big 12 power rankings after week six. With the team playing exceptionally well and the coaching staff making all the right moves, Oklahoma has progressed to a flawless 6-0 record this season.

However, the burning question remains: where do the Sooners stand in USA TODAY Sports’ latest bowl projections? Let’s delve into the details.

First up, we have the Independence Bowl, pitting the Oklahoma State Cowboys against the Colorado Buffaloes. This matchup promises to be an immensely entertaining clash, thanks to the bold and outspoken head coaches on both sides. It’s expected to be one of the highest-rated games outside of the prestigious New Year’s Six Bowls.

Next, we have the First Responder Bowl, featuring the Texas Tech Red Raiders versus the Arizona Wildcats. Arizona displayed an impressive offensive performance against USC, while Texas Tech secured a notable victory over Baylor. This game has all the ingredients for a thrilling bowl season matchup.

Moving on, we have the intriguing prospect of BYU and Minnesota going head-to-head. These two teams are renowned for their physicality and toughness, and a slugfest between them would be a sight to behold. Interestingly, they have never crossed paths on the gridiron before, making 2023 the perfect opportunity for them to break the ice.

In the Texas Bowl, we have the TCU Horned Frogs facing off against the Texas A&M Aggies. Texas A&M holds a dominant all-time series record of 56-29-7 against their former Southwest Conference rivals. Both teams had high hopes for the season but have struggled thus far, making this bowl matchup an important chance for redemption.

Louisville, fresh off a significant win over Notre Dame in week 6, will go up against Kansas in this projection. Kansas may have faced setbacks due to the absence of Jalon Daniels, but they’ve managed to find ways to win. Although Louisville holds an undefeated record against Kansas, dating back to 1990, the two sides haven’t met since then, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this potential matchup.

Now, picture a thrilling and physical clash between Kansas State and Utah. These two teams, previous champions of their respective conferences (Big 12 in 2022 and Pac-12 in 2022), are still contenders despite unexpected losses in the first half of the schedule. Interestingly, they have yet to face each other on the football field, making this a highly anticipated showdown.

In the Liberty Bowl, the West Virginia Mountaineers are set to take on the LSU Tigers. Although West Virginia suffered a heartbreaking loss to Houston, there’s still plenty of excitement surrounding their prospects for the remainder of the season. Given the unpredictable nature of the Big 12, it’s challenging to determine how the Mountaineers’ schedule will unfold.

After a monumental victory over Texas, it may seem logical for the Sooners to be thrust into the New Year’s Six bowl game conversation. However, they still have some convincing to do. Due to their tough schedule, the Sooners have little room for error and will likely need to win every remaining game if they hope to reach the prestigious College Football Playoff.

The Texas Longhorns, despite their loss to Oklahoma, find themselves in a New Year’s Six bowl game against the Ducks in this projection. The assumption is that the Longhorns will emerge as the champions of the Big 12. While a matchup with the Ducks would be intriguing, it could potentially be a disappointing ending for both teams in 2023.

In the College Football Playoff, we have the Rose Bowl featuring the Michigan Wolverines and the Florida State Seminoles. Additionally, the Sugar Bowl sees the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Washington Huskies. Notably, Texas’ loss to Oklahoma removes them from the playoff picture, paving the way for the return of the Washington Huskies, who have not made it to the CFP since their loss to Alabama in 2016. Furthermore, a showdown between Michael Penix and Georgia’s formidable defense would be an exhilarating matchup. Similarly, a clash between Michigan and Florida State, with Jordan Travis against J.J. McCarthy, would undoubtedly captivate fans and set the stage for a memorable Rose Bowl.

Lastly, the highly anticipated CFP National Championship would feature the Georgia Bulldogs squaring off against the Michigan Wolverines. The coaching battle between Kirby Smart and Jim Harbaugh would undoubtedly be a captivating duel, showcasing two teams known for their toughness and physicality.

For ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions, make sure to follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook. Furthermore, feel free to follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

Story originally appeared on Sooners Wire.

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Alex Martin

Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.