OU-Auburn: Keys to victory for the Sooners

NORMAN — Conference play is here for Oklahoma, and there’s no shortage of storylines.

The No. 11-ranked Sooners begin SEC play at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC), hosting No. 22 Auburn. The Sooners beat the Tigers last season behind an 11-point fourth-quarter comeback, and the Sooners are favored to beat the Tigers again this weekend.

However, both teams have gone through major changes since that game. That includes new Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold, who will make his return to Norman after spending his first two seasons with the Sooners.

Both teams are 3-0 and are looking to snag a win to open the SEC slate. To do that, the Sooners will need to beat their former quarterback.

Here’s a look at three keys to victory for the Sooners this weekend:

Focus on stopping Jeremiah Cobb

OU coach Brent Venables made it clear that Auburn’s offense poses a much-stiffer test than they’ve seen so far.

“They’re very elaborate,” Venables said. “There’s lots of layers to it. It’s not just one thing. Last week’s team (Temple) that we played, they ran the midzone, then they ran the power read. So you had two plays to defend. Auburn has a lot more depth to what they do. They’re smart, they’re well-coached, they’re super athletic, they’re big, they’re strong. Very powerful.”

However, the primary goal is very simple for the Sooners — limit Cobb.

The Auburn running back has been the fulcrum of the offense. He ranks 12th nationally in yards per game (104) and he’s been very efficient, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. He’s logged 47 touches — no other skill player has more than 18.

The Tigers will use a lot of schemes to get Cobb involved, and they also utilize Jackson Arnold in the running game. But for the Sooners, the game plan starts with keeping Cobb from finding a rhythm.

Turn Jackson Arnold into a passer

Arnold has been very effective as a runner. He’s carried the ball 35 times for 192 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. The Tigers have leaned heavily on Arnold’s running ability, which is a big reason why they rank 16th in rushing offense.

However, the passing numbers are suboptimal.

Arnold ranks 99th nationally in passing yards per game (167.0), which is tied for last among qualifying players. He’s 87th in total passing attempts, averaging 23 per game. There’s essentially been no explosiveness, either. He’s 91st in passing yards per completion (10.4). He ranks 99th in passing plays of 10-plus yards (17). He ranks 95th in passing plays of 20-plus yards (6).

Essentially, the Tigers haven’t trusted Arnold to throw the ball much at all. When he has thrown it, the coaching staff hasn’t trusted him to throw down the field.

Arnold has also struggled when he’s under pressure. When he hasn’t been blitzed, he’s completed 28/34 attempts (82%) for 303 yards and four touchdowns. When he has been blitzed, he’s completed 20/35 attempts (57%) for 198 yards and zero scores.

That makes the game plan really simple for Brent Venables. The defense can dial up pressure and feel confident that they won’t be burned down the field. The Tigers do have a pair of explosive receivers in Eric Singleton and Cam Coleman that will be difficult covers, but the Sooners have to dare Arnold to get them the ball from the pocket.

Challenge Auburn’s secondary

The Tigers have been stout against the run. They rank 10th in rushing defense and 7th in yards per carry (2.03).

However, the Tigers have been very susceptible through the air. They rank 85th in passing yards allowed (220), and that includes the 71 passing yards they allowed against Ball State. They’ve been particularly vulnerable to explosive passing plays — they’ve allowed 10 passes of 20-plus yards, which ranks 91st.

John Mateer and the Sooners’ pass catchers should be well-positioned to take advantage of that. The Sooners rank 19th in passing offense and fourth in passing plays of 20-plus yards (18).

That’s going to be necessary, particularly if the Sooners struggle to run the ball. Tory Blaylock has emerged as an explosive No. 1 option at running back, and the Sooners should have the offensive line group that started the Michigan game. But if OU can’t run the ball efficiently, they should be able to lean on the passing game. Mateer proved they could do that against Michigan, when he threw for 270 yards.

That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. This will be a step up in competition. But this will be a much-bigger test for Auburn, too.

Not a subscriber? Join OUInsider now and get your first week for just $1. No, this deal is NOT too good to be true! Take advantage today and get the market’s best Oklahoma football and recruiting intel!

Click HERE to subscribe today!