Oklahoma Defeats LSU,Positions Itself for College Football Playoff

NORMAN,Okla. — The pressure on Oklahoma coach Brent Venables reached a critical level after the Sooners finished 6-7 last season.

He never wavered in his belief that he could turn things around and now, he likely has the Sooners headed to the College Football playoff.

John Mateer threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Sategna with 4:16 left to overcome three interceptions, and No. 8 Oklahoma beat LSU 17-13 on Saturday night.

The Sooners (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference, No. 8 CFP) are in position to host a first-round game after winning four straight.

“The narrative wasn’t always on their side, and they had to kind of fight through that as well,” Venables said. “But to be able to share in this moment with them … I just have so much recognition, respect for our players and staff.”

Mateer was 23 of 38 for 318 yards and two touchdowns, and Sategna caught nine passes for 121 yards.

“Ther’s not a whole lot to really write about on the stat sheet, other than that score,” Venables said.

Oklahoma held the Tigers (7-5,3-5) to 198 total yards and came up with a late stop to hold on. LSU converted on just two of 14 third downs.

“I thought in spots, we played outstanding and gave ourselves a chance,” LSU interim coach Frank Wilson III said. “Sadly, it was not enough and we fell short.

LSU played through rumors about its coaching situation. Brian Kelly was fired earlier and Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin has been rumored to be his replacement.Kiffin was expected to make an declaration on Saturday.