Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold is set to return to Norman, Oklahoma, to take on his former team. Here's what our staff thinks about the matchup between No. 22 Auburn and No. 11 Oklahoma, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Jackie Dominguez, Sports Editor: Auburn 37-34
I think this will be one of the closest match-ups of the year for the Tigers, and I believe that the Tigers have what it takes to eke out a win this week. With key players like Champ Anthony, Eric Singleton Jr, and Rayshawn Pleasant listed as questionable, I think the younger guys and second string will need to step up, which might let the Sooners stay close. This game also has some emotional value for quarterback Jackson Arnold, as he was a Sooner for two seasons before transferring to Auburn last December. I think this will light a fire under Arnold and the Auburn offense as the defense continues its excellent year so far. Overall, it will be a tight game, but I think Auburn has the talent to hang with the Sooners; it's a matter of who wants it more.
Reid Farris, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 28-24
I believe Auburn will get a statement win for the first time in years on the road in the SEC. I expect Auburn to establish a run game early with the help of their strong offensive line room and make the Sooners force them to pass the ball as the game progresses. I think that there will be some major chunk plays in the first half that could give the Auburn offense and led by former Sooner Jackson Arnold some early momentum.
The Tigers will have to hold off John Mateer and his dual threat abilities at quarterback which will be no light task but I expect the defensive line to apply pressure throughout the game and Auburn to get a couple of big turnovers that could be the overall difference. The game will come down to who has the most big plays early and who takes care of the football the best and I believe Auburn will surprise a lot of people and find a way to do those things.
Rory Garvin, Sports Reporter: Oklahoma 27-24
Auburn hasn't won a road game against a ranked opponent since 2021, and that drought will continue Saturday afternoon.
The air attack of Deion Burks and Jaren Kanak will be too much for Auburn's secondary to handle. Quarterback John Mateer should have a big day.
Lila Weitz, Sports Writer: Oklahoma 34-18
This game will be Auburn’s biggest test of the season so far, going on the road to play their SEC opponent, Oklahoma, which is ranked No. 11. The Sooners’ offense has performed at a high level through the first three weeks of the season, averaging 33.6 points per game and beating the ranked Michigan Wolverines 24-13. Auburn’s defense will need to slow down the Sooners’ balanced attack, as this is the heaviest force that the Tigers have faced thus far. This matchup will reveal how ready Jackson Arnold is to lead the Tigers against SEC competition. I do expect Auburn to keep the game close early on due to their running game; however, I think that Oklahoma’s home-field advantage and offense could make it difficult for the Tigers to overcome as the game continues.
Jonathan Wallin, Sports Writer: Auburn 24-21
This is going to be a scrappy, defensive game, and it truly wouldn’t surprise me if a last-second field goal is the deciding play. Both Auburn and Oklahoma have put up strong defensive performances to start the year, but the Sooners have yet to force a turnover in their first three games. Given how aggressive John Mateer and Oklahoma’s offense are in the passing game, I expect Auburn’s secondary to naturally give up big plays but also record multiple takeaways in the process. If the Tigers can indeed pull off this impressive win, they will need to find new ways to get star receivers Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton involved in the offense. I think Auburn’s rushing game will be strong enough to keep them in a close contest, but the passing game will be the determining factor in whether Auburn leaves Norman undefeated Saturday night.
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