Tim Tebow reveals key for Oklahoma defense against Jackson Arnold

Jackson Arnold returns to Norman on Saturday for the first time since transferring away from the Oklahoma football. Their defense will hope to make his life as hard as possible during the matchup.

Tim Tebow broke down what the Sooners defense needs to focus on to keep Arnold and the Tigers at bay. It starts with getting Auburn behind the chains.

“When you look at this OU defense, it’s one of the best in the country, fourth best on third down,” Tebow explained during an appearance on SportsCenter ahead of SEC Nation. “They’re getting after the quarterback nonstop. You have to stay out of third and long. You have to be able to be efficient on first and second down with the running game, and especially Jackson’s Arnold’s legs early in the game.

“If you get to third and long, this Brent Venables defense, it’s going to give you so many different looks. That’s why they’re so good on third and fourth down, because they are giving quarterbacks fits.”

Arnold is Auburn‘s second-leading rusher entering Week 4. He’s carried the ball 35 times for 192 yards and four touchdowns on top of his passing numbers. So far, Arnold has thrown for 501 yards on a 69.6% completion percentage (48-69) to go with four touchdowns and no interceptions to this point. He has been sacked six times so far this season.

However, through three games, Auburn has converted on 52.94% (18-34) of its third-down attempts on the season. However, the Tigers are a perfect 5-5 in fourth down situations.

Auburn is prone to rushing the football on first down. Of the 71 first downs the Tigers have had this season, 46 of them have been run plays. The Oklahoma defense is holding teams to 3.4 yards per carry this season and under 100 yards per game overall. The Tigers may have to get more creative on first down if they don’t want to find themselves behind the chains.

“If Auburn isn’t good on first and second down, then third down is going to be very difficult,” Tebow said. “But if they can keep it in manageable situations, then they’re going to have a chance.”

Kickoff between the Sooners and Tigers is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ABC. Oklahoma is a 6.5-point favorite over Arnold and the Tigers at home, per BetMGM. The over/under is set at 46.5 total points.

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