(WATCH/LISTEN) Behind Enemy Lines: OU–Mizzou Deep Dive | Why This SEC Clash Is Absolutely Pivotal
Oklahoma’s matchup with Missouri arrives at a critical moment in the SEC schedule and the national landscape. With the Sooners surging back into Playoff contention — number eight CFP ranking — and Missouri looking to solidify its own postseason résumé, this weekend’s showdown carries major implications for both programs that could change the trajectory of their postseason. To get the most accurate look at what the Sooners will face, OUInsider, and Brandon Drumm, visited with MizzouToday’s Kyle McAreavy for a comprehensive scouting report on the Tigers and where this game may ultimately be won.
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Missouri brings one of the league’s more run-heavy offenses into the matchup. McAreavy explains how the Tigers’ commitment to staying on schedule—particularly with a run game that has quietly become one of the SEC’s most efficient—sets the foundation for everything they do. Expect Mizzou to lean on a veteran offensive line, and generate explosive plays off play-action presenting a challenge for Brent Venables’ defense if RB Ahmad Hardy can get going early and often for the Tigers.
For Oklahoma, the key will be forcing Missouri into predictable downs and limiting the Tigers’ ability to dictate the game in how they want to play it — really having Missouri in passing situations, as well as second and third and longs. OU’s defensive line depth and experienced linebacker play have been strengths all season, and McAreavy outlines the areas where the Sooners match up well—along with the specific Missouri running game that has stressed SEC defenses throughout the year.
On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma’s offense continues to be the wildcard each and every game, but Missouri knows it cannot allow OC Ben Arbuckle and the Sooners offense to establish early rhythm. McAreavy details how the Tigers may attempt to disrupt OU’s run game (with one of the top run defenses in CFB), the matchups the Tigers feel confident in, and the ones that could tilt in Oklahoma’s favor—especially if the Sooners can find consistency on the ground and create manageable third downs by leaning on the Sooners’ banged up RB group and QB John Mateer’s legs.
This game also carries significant CFB Playoff implications. With crowded tiers in that five to 12 range forming behind the top four contenders, every ranked win matters—and a strong showing against CFP’s 22nd ranked Missouri Tigers could position Oklahoma for a meaningful jump, along with a more solidified grasp on their own home field advantage chances. A loss, however, would make the Sooners dependent on outside help as the regular season winds down and severely limit the Sooners’ chances of making the CFP for the first time in BV’s era.
From personnel notes, injury updates (QB Beau Pribula) on the Tigers, and how he expects Missouri to attack the Sooners on Saturday, McAreavy provides the most detailed perspective you’ll find.
For OU fans wanting the full breakdown, this Behind Enemy Lines episode is a must-watch/listen.