Above Image Credit: OU Daily
When: Saturday, Nov. 22nd, 12:00 PM EST
Where: Memorial Stadium (Norman, OK)
How to Watch: ABC (check your listings)
The Oklahoma Sooners are chasing momentum and the CFP, and the Missouri Tigers are looking for a bright ending to their season. Their matchup on Saturday has the potential to reshape the outlook for both programs.
What You Need to Know
The Missouri vs. Oklahoma game is one of those matchups that has been intriguing audiences for the last few seasons. Right now, Missouri doesn’t have too much to lose at this point, but Oklahoma could lose a little, if not a lot, if the Tigers get the better of them.
Missouri’s rushing offense is 6th in the nation with 241.7 yards per game. Leading the group is RB Ahmad Hardy, the FBS and SEC’s top rusher with 1,346 yards overall. He is also 3rd in the FBS with 15 touchdowns (2nd in the SEC) and
Last season, the Tigers had the game won before Oklahoma tied it up at 16 each. Then, they fumbled the ball, and the Sooners recovered it before scoring a touchdown to take the lead with two minutes left. Missouri scored and tied the game at 23 with only a minute left. Everything ended when former Sooners QB Jackson Arnold got sacked, knocking the ball loose. Missouri’s Zion Young recovered it for a 17-yard pick-six to seal the deal.
Missouri vs. Oklahoma: Final Thoughts and Prediction
Oklahoma losing the game can cause a minor disruption in their path to the CFP postseason. Basically, I’d think the committee members would cut them a little slack if it happens.
Now, Oklahoma’s defense is 4th in the nation for allowing 82.2 rushing yards per game. They will have an even bigger chance to win if they can slow Hardy and the rush attack. All they have to try and do is get to the front as fast as possible and knock the competition out off the line of scrimmage.
Let’s now get into some injured players. Missouri QB Beau Pribula is doubtful to start after being carted off for dislocating his ankle almost a month ago. He’s missed the last three games since then, and Matt Zollers took over the QB position with some mixed results. There’s a chance he’ll start once again.
Finally, Oklahoma DE R Mason Thomas is listed as “questionable” after suffering a quadriceps injury. This could be a setback, especially when they need someone like him to tackle players with great strength.
Anything is possible for this game, but I’m gonna try and take a gamble by hoping that Missouri gets an upset victory just like last year. Imagine the thought of that happening again…
