The SEC’s game of the week, #22 Auburn vs. #11 Oklahoma, headlines week four as it returns a familiar face to Memorial Stadium. Both teams are seeking a win in their SEC opener to maintain their momentum and unbeaten record. For the Tigers, it only gets harder from here on out as they head to Kyle Field the following week and then return to Jordan Hare to host Georgia, so a win this week could do wonders. For the Sooners, a win here would set them up perfectly to head into the Red River Rivalry undefeated as they face Kent State following Auburn. To get you prepared for Auburn vs. Oklahoma, here’s everything to know about the matchup, from keys to the game, key players, and a look at the quarterbacks.
Auburn vs. Oklahoma Preview
Landing on QB1
Last season, Oklahoma lost Dillon Gabriel to the portal, ushering in the Jackson Arnold era in Norman. Arnold, a former five-star in the 2023 class, was looked at as the key to unlocking Oklahoma’s return to the playoffs. Unfortunately, the 2024 Oklahoma football team didn’t live up to expectations as they went 7-6, struggling heavily on offense. Arnold would receive most of the blame for the season, almost being forced to enter the portal. He would enter the portal on December 4th, ultimately transferring to Auburn, which was looking for a replacement for Payton Thorne. Oklahoma would replace Arnold with breakout quarterback John Mateer, who flourished with Washington State. Mateer would follow his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, to Norman in December. Now both teams are set at quarterback, so how do they fare against each other?
Jackson Arnold, Auburn, QB
Last season, Arnold struggled to stay consistent through the air, only throwing for 1,400 yards. This season, he has already thrown for 500 yards and four touchdowns. Still, what has stood out the most is how well he has run with the ball. He currently sits at 192 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Arnold and running back Jeremiah Cobb have built a solid backfield as they currently average just under 250 yards a game on the ground. Lastly, Arnold has made Auburn a dangerous fourth-down team as they currently stand at 5-5 on fourth-down conversions. Four of those fourth-down conversions came from Anrold’s legs, including a game-sealing 27-yard run for a touchdown against Baylor on a fourth and one.
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
Mateer has come into Norman and has already built a Heisman resume, throwing for 944 yards and running for 161 yards. Last season, he threw for 3,000 yards, and now he’s on pace to surpass that. In his first game with the Sooners, he threw for 392 yards, surpassing Baker Mayfield for most passing yards in OU debut. He has also made his gutsy running style work in Norman. Against Michigan, he ran for 74 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Against Temple last week, he took off for a 51-yard touchdown. He has made Oklahoma a new team and a true competitor in the SEC and the nation. The only concern right now is the turnover ratio, as he has thrown a pick in each game this season.
Both quarterbacks are very tough runners who can make the play for their team when needed. For Arnold, it won’t be easy to return to Norman, but he knows that defense best as he practiced against them for two years. For Mateer, this will be his first SEC game, so it will be interesting to see how his style correlates in the conference.
Keys to Game
Auburn Can’t Let Mateer Improvise
Mateer carved up Michigan with his play outside the pocket as he ran 19 times. Auburn needs Keyron Crawford to continue his dominant play on the line. Along with that, Keldric Faulk can always change the trajectory of a game with one snap, so look out for him. Both these guys have to get off their blocks fast if Mateer runs outside.
Can Oklahoma Minimize Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton?
Right now, Coleman and Singleton lead Auburn in receiving yards with 149 yards each. After them, no other player is over 100 yards. If the Sooner secondary can hold them both, it will be hard for the Tigers to rally back if they’re down early.
Key Players
Jeremiah Cobb, RB, Auburn
Cobb is the needle mover on Auburn, and if he can get another 100-yard game, Auburn could be in a good spot. In the last two games, he ran for 119 and 121 yards. Remember, Oklahoma gave up 125 yards to Justice Haynes, so if Cobb can reach this number, they could keep it close.
Courtland Guillory, CB, Oklahoma
The true freshman corner has been the bright star in the secondary, showing why he’s starting as a freshman. He currently has five total tackles, four of them solo, and one pass deflection. What stands out most is how mature he plays, as he doesn’t play like a freshman. Guillory could be the star in the secondary this season as the Sooners are looking for their first interception.
The return of a former number one quarterback and the opening of SEC play make Auburn vs. Oklahoma a must-watch for the average college football fan. Personally, I believe Auburn won’t be able to win unless they don’t push the ball downfield, and if they get Coleman or Singleton loose, they can win. The line currently stands at -6.5 for the Sooners.
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