Oklahoma, holding a record of 5-4 and 1-4 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), will face off against Missouri, which boasts a season record of 6-2 and 2-2 in the conference, this Saturday at 7:45 p.m. EST on the SEC Network. The betting odds from BetMGM favor Missouri by 2.5 points in this matchup. Historically, Oklahoma leads the series with an impressive 67 wins, against Missouri’s 24 victories and 5 ties, dating back to their first meeting in 1902.
This upcoming game marks a significant moment as both teams look to regain some momentum in what has been a challenging season so far. Oklahoma has struggled in its initial SEC journey, suffering three consecutive losses before finally snapping that streak with a commanding victory over Maine last week. On the other hand, Missouri is coming off a bye week after experiencing a tough 34-0 defeat to Alabama. Their losses this season to Texas A&M and the Crimson Tide have been particularly severe, accumulating a combined score of 75-10.
A key point of focus for this game will be the performance of Missouri quarterback Brady Cook against the Oklahoma defense. Despite dealing with an ankle injury during a recent game against Auburn, where he managed a narrow 21-17 win, Cook then faced another setback as he hurt his throwing hand against Alabama, leaving his availability in question. His participation could significantly impact Missouri’s offense, especially considering that Oklahoma’s defense has permitted an average of 217 passing yards per game this season.
For Oklahoma, linebacker Danny Stutsman has emerged as a vital player for the defense, showcasing both physical prowess and leadership abilities. His skill in covering the field laterally will be crucial in managing Cook’s dual-threat capability, as well as providing key support in tackling Missouri’s running backs.
On the Missouri side, running back Nate Noel has faced injuries that have disrupted what had initially been a standout season for him since transferring from Appalachian State. His unique speed and agility create a dynamic in the offense that is markedly absent during his downtime due to injury.
As for some statistics to note, the Sooners and Tigers have not met since September 24, 2011, just prior to Missouri’s transition to the SEC. Last week, Oklahoma’s rush attack thrived against Maine, with running back Jovantae Barnes achieving a personal best of 203 yards and three touchdowns. The Sooners collectively amassed 381 yards in rushing and a total of 665 yards in offense against Maine. Additionally, quarterback Jackson Arnold contributed notably with two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown. Coach Joe Jon Finley will lead the play-calling duties for his third game in this role. Meanwhile, Missouri faced its first shutout under coach Eli Drinkwitz against Alabama. Notably, wide receiver Luther Burden III has continued his impressive streak, catching a pass in 30 consecutive games dating back to October 1, 2022.