2. Contain Jalen Milroe
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and maybe the most dynamic rusher with the ball in his hands. Two weeks ago, in a rainy game against LSU, the Tide continued to call designed runs for Milroe, but the Tigers were powerless to stop it. He’s not just a runner either, but a true dual-threat who can hurt the Sooners on the ground or in the air. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded quarterback in the country last week and is their fifth-highest graded overall this season.
Oklahoma has been good against the run but susceptible against the pass this year. However, they haven’t seen a QB who can turn on the burners like Milroe yet.
3. Win The Turnover Battle By More Than One
Turnovers have been Oklahoma’s demise this season. When the Sooners don’t shoot themselves in the foot, they have a chance to win. When they make big mistakes, they eliminate their chances of victory.
Against Missouri, [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag] scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown that should have sealed the game. Even with the defense giving up a surprising touchdown, the offense still had a chance at a field goal. The worst that should have happened was overtime. Instead, [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] handed the Tigers the ballgame on a silver platter, and Oklahoma lost.
With Arnold seemingly back in the saddle again on Saturday, it’ll be paramount that he takes care of the football. His turnover-prone nature has cost the Sooners so many times this year, and he isn’t making up for it with spectacular plays to atone for the mistakes. Oklahoma lost the turnover battle four to one in their last game, with Arnold committing two.
The Sooners will have to flip that script against the Crimson Tide, and it probably won’t be enough to win that battle by just one. Oklahoma will have to force multiple turnovers against Alabama and maybe even score with their defense again. It’ll take everything that side of the ball has to get the stops they need and give the offense a chance to finally carry its weight in 2024.
Oklahoma and Alabama will kick things off on ABC at 6:30 p.m. central time on Saturday night.