In the first meeting between the programs since 2011, Oklahoma (5-4, 1-4 SEC) travels to face Missouri (6-2, 2-2) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Columbia. The Tigers are ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll and No. 22 Coaches Poll. OU posted an 8-2 record against Missouri when both schools were members of the Big 12 Conference. The Sooners have won eight of the last nine meetings against the Tigers and 20 of the last 22, including a 38-28 win in Norman in that 2011 game.
As Oklahoma prepares to renew its rivalry with Missouri on Saturday, the Sooners must focus on a few key areas to have the opportunity of securing that crucial sixth win of the season.
Offensive Success:
- Protect the Football: Turnovers have been a major issue for Oklahoma in its losses this season. In the four losses, they have been outscored 41-0 off turnovers. The Sooners must limit turnovers to avoid giving Missouri short field opportunities.
- Efficient Passing: Quarterback Jackson Arnold has shown promise since his return, and his ability to make accurate throws consistently will be crucial. Since being reinserted into the lineup early in the game against South Carolina three weeks ago, Arnold has completed 55 of 88 passes (63%) for 631 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.
- Dominant Running Game: The Sooners’ rushing attack, led by Jovantae Barnes, has the potential to exploit Missouri’s defense. The Tigers, despite their 6-2 record, have struggled to contain the run. They’ve surrendered 236 rushing yards to Texas A&M and 271 to Alabama. Both of those games were losses for the Tigers, and running the ball should be the first thing Joe Jon Finley looks to do on Saturday.
Defensive Dominance:
- Winning on First Down: The Sooner defense must force Missouri into long yardage situations. By winning on first down, Oklahoma can put pressure on the Tigers’ offense and create opportunities for turnovers. The Sooners rank in the top 10 nationally in several defensive categories, including yards allowed per rush (seventh at 2.7), tackles for loss per game (seventh at 8.0) and sacks per game (ninth at 3.2). Winning on first down, and putting your opponent behind the chains is the they to making all of that happen.
- Generating Pressure: The defensive line, led by Gracen Halton and R Mason Thomas, must continue to generate pressure on Missouri’s quarterback. Sacks and tackles for loss disrupt the Tigers’ offensive rhythm and force mistakes. Halton and R Mason Thomas entered the season with a combined 8.0 career tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, but through nine games this season have teamed for 12.5 TFLs and 10.0 sacks.
- Forcing Turnovers: Oklahoma’s ability to force turnovers has been a key factor in their success this season. Earlier we spoke about how turnovers have haunted the Sooners in defeat, but in the Sooners’ five wins this season they have outscored opponents 63-6 off turnovers. It truly has been feast or famine for OU in the turnover department.
Oklahoma played its most dominant game of the season last week, but that was against Maine. Now, they’re back in conference play and on the road. There may not be a better chance for them to capitalize on the confidence and momentum they built last week than what they’re going to face on Saturday.
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