The Sooners kick off their 2024 season with a home opener against the Temple Owls. The Sooners are heavy favorites in this matchup, entering the game as 42.5-point favorites.
Oklahoma finished the 2023 season with a 10-3 record and are looking to build on that success. The Sooners have a talented roster led by quarterback Jackson Arnold, running backs Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk, as well as wide receiver Jalil Farooq. The Sooner defense is also expected to be even more stronger than the flashes they showed in 2023, led by linebacker Danny Stutsman and defensive back Billy Bowman Jr.
Temple, on the other hand, is looking to improve after back-to-back disappointing 3-9 records in 2022 and 2023. The Owls have made changes to their coaching staff and roster, and they will be looking to compete in the AAC this season.
Key Matchups:
- Oklahoma’s Offense vs. Temple’s Defense: Oklahoma’s offense averaged 41.69 points and 507 yards per game in 2023. They are expected to lean heavily on their running game, led by Barnes and Sawchuk. Temple’s defense allowed 35.67 points and 441.6 yards per game last season, including 198.3 rushing yards per game. This matchup will be a key battle to watch.
- Temple’s Offense vs. Oklahoma’s Defense: Temple’s offense averaged 21.08 points per game and 372.9 yards per game in 2023. They will face an need Oklahoma defense looking to improve after allowing 23.6 points and 389.6 yards per game last season.
- Turnovers: Oklahoma recorded 20 turnovers in 2023, while the Owls had 25. Ball security was an issue for both teams at times, and was likely a focal point of their preseason camps.
Betting Guide
- Spread: Oklahoma -42.5
- Over/Under: 57.5
Why Oklahoma Will Cover the Spread
- Oklahoma has a significantly more talented roster than Temple.
- Oklahoma’s offense is led by a talented quarterback and has a strong running game.
- Oklahoma’s defense is also strong and should be able to limit Temple’s offensive production.
Why Oklahoma Might Not Cover the Spread
- Temple’s defense has shown signs of improvement and could play better than expected.
- Oklahoma has a history of turnovers, which could hurt their chances of covering the spread.
Why the Over Will Hit
- Oklahoma’s offense has the potential to hit the over on its own.
- Temple’s defense has struggled in recent years.
Why the Under Might Hit
- A heavy run game could eat up a lot of clock.
- New offensive wrinkles could result in some adjustments, miscues, and mistakes.
Final Score Prediction
While Oklahoma is a clear favorite in this matchup, I’m not confident they’ll cover the massive 42.5-point spread. Despite their talented roster, I anticipate them to come in just under what the odds suggest. Temple’s defensive improvement, combined with Oklahoma’s potential for turnovers and possible offensive miscues, could make it a tighter contest.
However, I’m strongly leaning towards the over. Both teams have the potential to score points, and with Oklahoma’s offensive firepower and Temple’s defensive struggles, a high-scoring affair seems likely.
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