The Sooners came up just shorts of making their 2nd consecutive college football playoff and will now find themselves locked in a battle against the Auburn Tigers in the Sugary Bowl. The Sooners will be looking to close their season on a strong note, clean up in recruiting, and build towards what should be a really strong 2017 season. In order to to accomplish this task the Sooners will need to rely on several key players as they look to emerge victorious on Monday Night.
Junior Running Back Samaje Perine | Perine is just 83 yards away from setting the all time rushing record at Oklahoma. While he doesn’t have the burst of Joe Mixon, there is no doubt the Sooners usually go as Perine goes. A successful running game for the Sooners will be a huge part of their success against the Tiger
Redshirt Sophomore Running Back Joe Mixon | While not technically the Sooners starter, Mixon is a homerun threat nearly everytime he touches the football. I can think of no other player who is more ready to play football than Mixon, after being in the spotlight again for the off field issues over two years ago.
Redshirt Junior Quarterback Baker Mayfield | He simply can’t be off this list. Mayfield finished third in the Heisman and is arguably the best quarterback to every set foot on a football field in Norman. Auburn’s biggest weakness defensively is their secondary, as the Tigers only give up 124 yards per game on the ground. Mayfield should be able to find success through the air against the Tigers.
Redshirt Freshman Defensive End Neville Gallimore | The talented Canadian didn’t even find himself as a starter at the beginning of this season, but ended the season with 39 tackles (4 TFL) which is a bunch considering what is asked of the Sooners defensive lineman. Gallimore and crew will have their work cut out for them as Auburn averages nearly 280 yards rushing per game.
Senior Wide Receiver Dede Westbrook | Explosive plays are his staple, and the Sooners should be able to find success against the Auburn secondary. Westbrook hasn’t been stopped really all season (except when he was dealing with lingering hamstring issues during the first few games of the season.