Three keys to the Oklahoma Sooners’ victory over the Auburn Tigers

The Oklahoma Sooners (3-1, 0-1 SEC) suffered a tough loss last week against a good Tennessee Volunteers team. There were some good moments on both sides of the ball, and Brent Venables and his team hope to build on the good moments and correct what went wrong as they take on the Auburn Tigers (2-2, 0-1 SEC) . ).

The Sooners enter the game with a defense that allows just 14.8 points per game, which ranks them 26th nationally. They rank 28th nationally in yardage allowed: 284.8 yards per game.

Even though Auburn turned the ball over a lot, there are playmakers on offense that can threaten the Sooners’ defense.

On the contrary: It is Oklahoma’s offense that is having problems. However, they are hoping for better production and ball security as they opt for true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

Given the Oklahoma Sooners’ remaining schedule, it feels like a must-win football game. What does Oklahoma have to do to win on the road in unfriendly Jordan-Hare Stadium? Here are three keys to the game.

More: Sooners Wire Staff Predicts Oklahoma vs. Auburn

Next up: keys to the game

1. Find a floor game

This is arguably the Oklahoma Sooners’ healthiest performance on offense in 2024. Branson Hickman and Troy Everett are not listed on the injury report. Preseason projected starting right tackle Jake Taylor is considered likely, so it looks like the Sooners will have everyone back except Geirean Hatchett, who is out for the season.

This doesn’t guarantee that Oklahoma can improve its offensive game because these guys haven’t played together, but it does give them a better chance.

The Sooners struggled with the football, primarily because they struggled with the run-pass option game. But Oklahoma is trying to simplify the offense so the quarterback doesn’t have to make as many reads and decisions in the option game.

If the Sooners can get something going on the ground, even just an average of 3.5 yards per carry, it will help the Sooners’ offense significantly.

More: SEC predictions for Week 5

Next: Help Hawkins

2. Get Michael Hawkins into a rhythm

The best way to help a young quarterback is to run the ball. Tennessee did that for Nico Iamaleava with great results. It took a lot of pressure off the talented but inexperienced quarterback.

This is step 1 for Seth Littrell and the offense. Get the ground game going.

Step 2 is to get Michael Hawkins Jr. into a rhythm early. He is a confident player who didn’t let himself get rattled in his performance against Tennessee. But that’s a different game in a different environment.

Littrell needs to help his young quarterback by starting a play that gets Hawkins into a rhythm early. Play in front of the chains and limit third-and-long chances against an Auburn pass rush that was pretty good in 2024.

Hawkins showed a strong arm and quick reaction in his performance against Tennessee. Use this quick release in the quick passing game so he doesn’t have to wait for longer routes to open up behind an offensive line that has struggled in pass defense at times in 2024.

More: 3 freshmen to watch this week against Auburn

Next: No explosives!

3. Limit big games

Oklahoma’s defense did a great job against the run in 2024. She allows 96 yards per game against the run and just 2.4 yards per carry, which ranks fourth nationally.

The Sooners defense runs the ball really well, even in pass coverage, but gave up some big plays in the passing game. Houston, Tulane and Tennessee hit OU for at least one big play through the air. Whether it was a miscommunication, poor coverage or a loss, that’s the one area where teams have found some success.

The Auburn Tigers have several players capable of making big plays in the passing game, led by Keandre Lambert-Smith, who is averaging 28.5 yards per reception and scoring five touchdowns in four games.

In what should be a one-score game on paper, explosive play can be the difference between victory and defeat. While battling turnovers will be crucial, keeping Auburn from outscoring the secondary will make an equally big difference.

The Sooners will have to force Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne to drive down the field toward them. He and the Tigers were turnover prone. The more plays they make, the more likely they are to make a mistake or turn the ball over. Don’t give them anything easy.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 3 Keys to an Oklahoma Sooners Victory over the Auburn Tigers