The Oklahoma Sooners roll into Week 8 with a tough 3-3 record overall, sitting at 1-2 in SEC play, desperate for a turnaround after last week’s gut-wrenching 21-13 loss to Kentucky where John Mateer threw three interceptions in the final 16 minutes. Now they face a Mississippi State Bulldogs team that, despite a 4-2 record and 2-2 in the SEC, has some glaring weaknesses that could be exactly what Oklahoma needs to right the ship.
Can Mateer and the Offense Exploit a Leaky Bulldogs Defense?
Look, that Kentucky game was a tough pill to swallow, especially with those late turnovers. But the source says this week is a real chance for Oklahoma to build on what they put on the field in those first three quarters against the Wildcats. Why? Because the Mississippi State defense has been, shall we say, a bit of a sieve. They rank No. 111 in points per game allowed this season. That is bad, folks. And it gets worse: they are 127th in the entire nation in passing yards allowed per game. You read that right, 127th! If Mateer can get things clicking and protect the ball, there is a serious opportunity for the Sooners’ offense to get rolling against a struggling unit.
Mississippi State’s Jekyll and Hyde Offense and Oklahoma’s Defense
The Bulldogs come into this one after getting absolutely shut out, 31-0, by LSU last week. But here’s the catch: they played that game without their starting quarterback, Kamario Taylor, and their starting running back, Fluff Bothwell. With those two stars in the game, Mississippi State averages a whopping 39 points per game this season. That is a massive difference, and it means the Sooners’ defense is going to be tested big time. Oklahoma’s defense, by the way, has played well enough to win all season, which gives you hope. The key for them will be keeping Mississippi State’s speedy wide receivers from creating big plays in the passing game and continuing to play well on the ground. If they can contain that potent offense, the Sooners have a real shot at a bounceback win.
This pivotal SEC showdown kicks off Saturday, October 24, at 2:30 p.m. CT from Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. You can catch all the action nationally on SEC Network with Dave Neal and Cole Cubelic in the booth, and Tori Petry reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options include ESPN and FUBO, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. This is a crucial game for Oklahoma to get back to .500 and show they are still a force in the SEC. Time to see if they can seize the opportunity.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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