No. 22 Auburn and No. 11 Oklahoma face off in an early SEC showdown featuring two undefeated teams that aim to gain a leg up on the road to Atlanta for the SEC title game.
The Sooners feature a menacing defense that ranks fourth in college football in total defense, allowing just 181 yards per game, while also fourth in scoring defense, giving up a mere 6.3 points per game.
Jackson Arnold returns to Norman now wearing the orange and blue of Auburn after two seasons playing for the Sooners.
It will be a battle as both teams look to stay undefeated and get closer to a spot in the College Football Playoff. Here are our staff's predictions for the game. If you want to a view from the Oklahoma side, I spoke with Stormin' the Norman's Dekota Gregory.
Andrew Hughes
Auburn has not carried over much momentum from a 38-24 Week 1 win over Baylor, having more difficulty handling South than any Tiger fan would’ve hoped. We know that this team is battle-tested in hostile environments, but the Oklahoma Sooners are on another level. Traveling to Norman in what may be more hostile territory than expected should provide for an electric atmosphere, but also a nearly impossible challenge. Auburn is a touchdown underdog for a reason. Expect a John Mateer laser show, a solid response from Jackson Arnold in the run game against his former team, but too many key injuries on both sides of the ball for AU to steal this one on the road.
Oklahoma 42, Auburn 31
Mary Kate Hughes
Obviously, the biggest storyline in this game is Jackson Arnold's return to Oklahoma, but there is also a lot of attention on the Tigers' defense after their performance in the first half of last week's matchup. Auburn should be able to run the ball well, and as long as the Tigers avoid turnovers, the offense should be fine. The defense is facing a big challenge against Mateer, though, and with Champ Anthony's return comes Jay Crawford's absence. I ultimately picked Auburn to win, but I think it will be a close game, and it will be a fight to the finish. Hopefully, the Tigers will compete well and set the tone for the rest of the SEC slate this weekend.
Auburn 24, Oklahoma 21
Pankti Parmar
Auburn's game will largely depend on what Jackson Arnold can do in this one. The revenge plot might push him to be a little bit better, but it might not be enough to face off against Oklahoma's menacing secondary, one that even Michigan couldn't stand against.
Arnold will likely have his first interception of the season, and Auburn's offense might be seen crumbling for the first time this season. And as for John Mateer, he would be breezing right past the Tigers' secondary to put up a massive score. Although Auburn will put up a valiant fight, it will not be enough to take down Arnold's former team.
Oklahoma 39, Auburn 26
Brian Stultz
I think this Auburn team is good and will have success down the road, but I just don't see the Tigers coming out of Norman with a win. Oklahoma's defense is among the best in the nation and may be the toughest that Auburn faces all season. Jackson Arnold and the offense will have to have their best game of the season by a long stretch to be able to score against the Sooners, while the Tigers' secondary against quarterback John Mateer and the Oklahoma wide receivers could be a massive problem.
The Tigers put up a fight, but it won't be enough.
Oklahoma 31, Auburn 17