Tate Sandell building confidence after Texas game winner

The Oklahoma Sooners got a massive confidence-building win against the then-No. 1 Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry. The Sooners beat the Longhorns, 27-24, on a field goal as time expired.

That game should boost the confidence of several players, including last season's Lou Groza Award winner, kicker Tate Sandell. He was excellent last season; however, he missed his last two field goals of the season against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff. He then started this season 3-of-6 on field goals. However, he hit his last two field goals against Texas. One was from 53 yards out, and the other was the 47-yard walk-off.

Sandell said those field goals should help build his confidence moving forward.

"Sometimes I think you need to see one go through," Sandell said via SoonerScoop. "There are going to be patches, and it's about how you respond to those patches."

Sandell's performance against Texas could be the reset he needed after a difficult stretch. Making a 53-yard field goal and then delivering the game-winner under pressure showed he can still deliver in the biggest moments. For a kicker, confidence can be crucial, and those two successful attempts give Sandell something positive to carry into the weeks ahead.

Oklahoma will need that reliability as it builds on the rivalry win and pushes through the SEC schedule. If Sandell can maintain his rhythm and continue converting from long range, he could once again become a major weapon for the Sooners. Saturday's finish reminded everyone what he can do when the opportunity arrives, and Oklahoma will hope it marks the start of a more consistent run.