Maine (4-4) is set to face Oklahoma (4-4) this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on SECN+/ESPN+. The odds favor Oklahoma significantly, with a 34.5-point spread. This matchup marks their first-ever encounter on the football field.

What’s on the line for Oklahoma? The team has been struggling with three consecutive losses, which led to the dismissal of their offensive coordinator. A defeat against a Football Championship Subdivision team like Maine would be a new low for the Sooners and could further frustrate their already dissatisfied fanbase. Despite their recent downturn, Oklahoma’s offense showed some signs of improvement last week during their 26-14 loss to Ole Miss under the new play-caller Joe Jon Finley. With this game against Maine, the Sooners are looking to build some positive momentum heading into a challenging stretch that includes matchups against ranked teams such as Missouri, LSU, and Alabama.

A crucial element to watch in this game is the battle between Maine’s offensive line and Oklahoma’s pass rush. The Sooners are currently 7th in the FBS, averaging 3.2 sacks per game, with R. Mason Thomas leading the squad with six sacks. On the other hand, Maine finds itself allowing 2.8 sacks per game, one of the highest figures in the FCS, which raises concerns for their quarterback.

For Maine, a player to keep an eye on is quarterback Carter Peevy. He has thrown for 1,591 yards and achieved 11 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions. Peevy is a graduate student who previously had a notable career at Mercer, where he nearly reached 4,000 passing yards before his transfer.

On the Oklahoma side, running back Jovantae Barnes has emerged as a key player. He contributed 67 rushing yards on 16 carries and caught five passes for 57 yards against Ole Miss. His versatility and ability in blocking have set him apart from others on the team.

Here are some interesting facts: Maine holds four all-time wins against FBS programs, with their last victory occurring in 2021 against UMass, where they won 35-10. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables confirmed that starting offensive lineman Jacob Sexton will be sidelined this week. Since re-entering the lineup during a game against South Carolina, Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold has completed 60% of his passes, amassing 407 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Meanwhile, linebacker Danny Stutsman has made a name for himself as a first-team AP midseason All-American. Oklahoma also boasts an impressive record of 48 consecutive wins against unranked non-conference teams. If they lose, it would mark the first time since 1997 that Oklahoma has lost three straight home games.