Ahead of Auburn's first SEC clash with new member Oklahoma, here's what some of our staff has to say about the matchup between the Tigers and Sooners, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Oklahoma 31-21
"I would expect Auburn to play better, and potentially a little cleaner, against No. 21Oklahoma than it did against Cal or Arkansas — similar to the stark difference between the Tigers' performance against New Mexico State and Alabama in back-to-back weeks last season.
While I think the execution and play to be better for Freeze's squad, the program has yet to actually seal the deal in against a high profile team during his tenure. I expect Oklahoma to pull away late."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Oklahoma 21-17
"Saturday’s matchup is a must win for the Tigers. I am hesitant to count Auburn out of a matchup at Jordan-Hare, but it’s challenging to pick an Auburn team plagued by turnovers. If the Tigers can limit turnovers, they will have a chance against the Sooners.
But the question remains, can Auburn limit mistakes and turnovers?”
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Oklahoma 28-13
"Both team's are looking for their first conference win after losing to their respective opponents a week ago. Oklahoma is making its first ever trip to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday and Auburn looks to cap off its five-game home stand with a win.
The Tiger's have not had any trouble moving the ball downfield this season with one of the most explosive offenses in the country, statistically. However, they are dead last in turnover margin through four games this season and have turned the ball over a whopping 14 times - 10 of them coming in the two losses. Oklahoma brings in one of the nations top defenses under Brent Venables' guidance - a squad tied with San Jose St. for most turnovers forced this season with 12. That’s a telling stat considering Auburn cannot keep from giving the ball away to its opponent.
This will be Auburn’s biggest test thus far. If they can eliminate some of the undisciplined, costly mistakes, they will have a fighting chance late in the game. But, I think Oklahoma’s defense is too much for an Auburn squad severely struggling at the quarterback position. "
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: Oklahoma 21-17
"Coming into this week both the Sooners and the Tigers are looking for their first win in SEC play this season. They are both coming off disparaging home losses and are looking to bounce back and find some identity this week. Auburn’s quarterback struggles have continued as they are yet to announce a starter, and Oklahoma has announced they will start true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr after a lackluster performance from Jackson Arnold in the first half of the Tennessee game.
Auburn has mostly beaten themselves this year as they have turned the ball over 10 total times in their only two Power Four matchups this year. Although Oklahoma’s offense has had its fair share of struggles this year as well, I believe with Hawkins Jr at the helm they will show some promise this weekend in the same way he did at times last week. I expect Oklahoma’s strong defense to help boost the team to their first SEC victory this weekend."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: Auburn 23-16
"Auburn and Oklahoma are coming into this game in a similar situation, as both teams are seeking its first conference win with uncertainty at the quarterback position. The Tigers and Sooners are both aiming to bounce back from ugly home losses, with Oklahoma falling to Tennessee last week.
I’m not sure what to expect in this game since both offenses are so inconsistent. Auburn has had success moving the football in its first four games of the season, but turnovers have been an absolute killer and definitely costed the Tigers some points – and maybe even a couple wins. Auburn cannot afford to continue this trend against a stout, athletic Brent Venables-coached defense.
I think this game will be sloppy, especially with true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. making his first career start in a loud Jordan-Hare Stadium. Oklahoma’s plethora of injuries – especially at the wide reciever position – combined with the Sooners’ first SEC away game and the desperation that Auburn may show leads me to believe the Tigers will pull it out. Auburn needs to win this game if it wants to make a bowl game."
Craig Noyes, Sports Writer: Auburn 20-16
"While it seems insane to back the Tigers against a ranked opponent after what has transpired in the last two weeks, there are some signs of life for the Auburn faithful. The insane turnover rate has caused the two losses for Auburn, but they still rank sixth in yards per play on offense. If the Tigers can limit themselves to one or two turnovers, the defense will have an easier time keeping them in this game.
On the flip side, Oklahoma does not have all its answers solved on offense. After electing freshman Michael Hawkins Jr., a former three-star recruit, as the starter after benching Jackson Arnold, they share the same frustrations quarterback-wise. Not only will Hawkins's first career start be in Jordan-Hare stadium, but he will do it without the help of five receivers already ruled out of the contest, including top receiver Deion Burks.
This game will look eerily similar to the Arkansas game, but if Auburn can cut their turnovers in half, they should take advantage of a Sooner offense looking for its identity."
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