The Oklahoma Sooners improved to 10-2 overall and 6-2 in the SEC in 2025 with a 17-13 win over the LSU Tigers in Week 14. OU didn't make it look easy on Saturday in Norman, and they certainly didn't win with style, but they did enough to get their fourth-straight win and finish off an unbeaten month of November in the SEC.
Oklahoma played with fire for much of the afternoon, but the Sooners made enough plays to emerge victorious. With the win, it's very likely that OU has punched a ticket to the College Football Playoff. The CFP selection committee will reveal the full bracket on Sunday, December 7th, but with OU sitting at No. 8 coming into the weekend, it looks like the Sooners would be in after beating the Tigers.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn an ugly, ugly win, the Sooners saw some familiar faces step up and play in starring roles. With everything on the line in the season's most important game to date, the play of these guys will be remembered for helping do just enough to get the job done.
Here are three stars from OU's win over the Bayou Bengals
1. Peyton Bowen, DB
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 29: Peyton Bowen #22 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a turnover on downs against the Louisiana State Tigers during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Defensive back Peyton Bowen made so many huge plays that won the game for the Sooners. After OU's first interception, the safety picked off LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr.'s pass on the very next play in the end zone to save at least three crucial points. Then, on the game's final play, Bowen batted down Van Buren's pass to an open target on 4th-and-2 to seal the big win. Oklahoma isn't where they are right now without the play Peyton Bowen.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2. Gracen Halton, DL
Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Gracen Halton (56) reacts during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesDefensive lineman Gracen Halton was a force against the Tiger offense, as he was able to get penetration into the backfield and disrupt things for LSU when they had the ball. He completely blew up an end-around that the Tigers had called in the fourth quarter that nearly resulted in a turnover, and he was the one pressuring Van Buren on the final play, leading to Bowen's PBU. On Senior Day on Owen Field, Halton was part of that defense that put the weight of Oklahoma on their shoulders and didn't crumble.
3. Tate Sandell, K
Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) chases after Louisiana State Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) after a kickoff in a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the LSU Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-13.Kicker Tate Sandell made his only field goal attempt of the game and both of his extra points, which were obviously all important in a low-scoring game with heavy winds in Norman. However, Sandell also made a play that likely will be forgotten about in the win. After OU's go-ahead score, the Tigers got a great return from Barion Brown that set up what would be their final drive of the game at midfield. Sandell was able to slow up Brown enough on the return that Owen Heinecke and Manny Choice were able to knock him out of bounds and the Sooner defense stood tall to finish the game. Sandell is the best kicker in the country, and OU wouldn't be 10-2 without him.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 3 stars for the Sooners victory against the Tigers
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