The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up for a critical matchup against the LSU Tigers on Saturday, November 25, 2023, with significant implications for their College Football Playoff aspirations. With a record of 9-2 and ranked No. 8 nationally, Oklahoma is relying heavily on its formidable defense as it seeks offensive consistency heading into its regular-season finale in Norman.
Last week, Oklahoma secured a narrow 17-6 victory over Missouri, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of the team. The Sooners’ defense forced two interceptions and recorded four sacks, effectively holding the Tigers scoreless in the second half. Despite this defensive prowess, concerns linger over the offense; quarterback John Mateer completed only 46.7% of his passes, and the team managed a mere 350 total yards. As Oklahoma eyes a postseason berth, questions arise about whether its defense can continue to shoulder the burden.
Oklahoma’s Offense Under Pressure
Oklahoma’s upcoming opponent, LSU, enters the game with a record of 7-4, coming off a hard-fought 13-10 win against Western Kentucky. In their first season since the departure of former head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers have demonstrated a resilient defense, which ranks 16th in scoring nationally. LSU allows just 18.5 points per game, posing a significant challenge for the Sooners’ offense, which ranks 72nd, averaging 27.3 points.
College football analyst David Pollack expressed concerns regarding Oklahoma’s offensive capabilities. On his See Ball Get Ball podcast, he remarked, “Oklahoma can lose that game. Their offense should scare the (expletive) out of you. Their defense obviously is going to do its job. Thank God they’re at home; I think that’s a big deal.” Pollack emphasized the need for Oklahoma to improve its offensive performance, questioning how the team can succeed if it continues to score in the low twenties against formidable opponents.
Pollack further cautioned that while the Sooners have not turned the ball over recently, this trend may not hold. He noted, “LSU’s back end, you don’t think they can lock those receivers down?” highlighting the struggles Oklahoma has faced in its passing game and offensive line. As the Sooners prepare for this pivotal game, Pollack stated, “If I’m Oklahoma, I’m a little bit nervous.”
Defensive Showdown Ahead
Oklahoma’s defense is a strong point, currently ranked sixth nationally in scoring, allowing just 14 points per game. This strength will be critical as they face LSU, whose defense also ranks well, positioning the Tigers as a formidable opponent. Although LSU’s offense has been inconsistent, ranking 103rd in total yards, their +6 turnover margin has been a stabilizing factor for the team.
The stakes are high for Oklahoma: a victory is essential to keep their playoff hopes alive, while a loss would end their aspirations in Norman. The Sooners will host LSU at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, where all eyes will be on the performance of both teams as they vie for postseason glory.
