Thoughts and observations from Oklahoma’s regular-season finale at Texas Christian

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops waves to the crowd after the Sooners beat TCU 24-17 Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

FORT WORTH, Texas — Oklahoma wrapped up its regular season Saturday with a 24-17 win at TCU.

The Sooners and Kansas State are the Big 12 Conference’s co-champions; each finished with an 8-1 conference record after the Wildcats’ 42-24 win over Texas on Saturday evening.

Because of their head-to-head win, Kansas State knows its bowl fate: The Wildcats earned the Big 12’s automatic BCS berth and will play in the Fiesta Bowl, likely against Oregon.

Oklahoma’s bowl destination is less clear, although it appears likely the Sooners will play Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

OU’s bowl will be revealed Sunday evening. Until then, here are some thoughts and observations from the Sooners’ win Saturday at TCU.

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* For the record, I have no problem with Bob Stoops and Oklahoma claiming a 2012 Big 12 championship. It is absolutely, 100 percent within their right, and the Sooners earned it based on the rules set forth by the conference.

* I don’t necessarily like the idea of co-champions, especially when the two teams played each other. Bob Stoops didn’t like it either a year ago. But it is what it is.

* Oklahoma-Florida in the Sugar Bowl would be a terrific matchup, and I think the Sooners would have a good chance to pull the upset. I think OU would be much more likely to topple Florida than Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl, frankly, so maybe Kansas State did OU a favor by beating Texas.

* Maybe Tyrus Thompson was provoked. Maybe Stansly Maponga did something to Thompson earlier, but no one saw it. All I know is that this is unfortunate, ugly and probably grounds for ejection. I don’t know if Thompson will be subject to any kind of suspension, but I don’t think it would be unjustified.

* The impact Jalen Saunders has had on this Oklahoma team is just unbelievable. Saturday against TCU, he caught 7 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.

* Saunders’ touchdown with 53 seconds left in the first half, gave OU a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. The score came on a third-and-23, just after Thompson’s personal foul.