Remember when everyone thought Oklahoma was done? Neither do I. The Sooners find themselves in their third-straight College Football Playoff and their fourth appearance in program history. Despite playing the No. 1 seed in LSU, it is actually the best chance on paper out of the four semifinal games they have played.
HOW OKLAHOMA WINS
Keep possession of the ball
It’s pretty simple. So long as Jalen Hurts settles down and holds on to the ball and does not force throws (see Iowa State) Oklahoma should be in good shape.
RUN RUN RUN
With Rhamondre Stevenson suspended, the Sooners are down to Jalen Hurts and Kennedy Brooks as the main ball carriers. TJ Pledger will likely tote the rock to take some of the load off of Brooks and Hurts. The trio will need to be around the magic number of 200 yards rushing for Oklahoma to move on to New Orleans.
BURY BURROW
Getting pressure on Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow will not be an easy task with leading pass rusher Ronnie Perkins suspended. However, it is not impossible. Jalen Redmond and LaRon Stokes will be the two who will be tasked with containing and forcing pressure on Burrow. LSU did win the Joe Moore Award but they were No. 72 in the nation in sacks allowed. Pressure will be key in stopping the No. 1 offense in the country and can very well be what leads Oklahoma to a victory.
HOW OKLAHOMA LOSES
penalties
With all of the trash-talking LSU has been saying throughout the week, the Sooners have obeyed coach’s orders and have kept their mouths shut. In fact, Oklahoma has been complimentary of the Tigers. However, when the lights are on and emotions are high, coach won’t always be there to babysit. The Sooners need to keep their heads on and not allow LSU to bait them into personal fouls or undisciplined play.
SLOW START
Between turnovers and penalties, the Sooners have a lot on their plate and in their way. They have to start fast and match, if not surpass the energy levels of LSU. Last year, Alabama jumped on Oklahoma 28-0 halfway through the second quarter, putting the Sooners behind the eight ball. #SpeedD will be put to the test against Burrow and Co. but nonetheless, Oklahoma must battle from the opening kick to the final whistle.
Oklahoma and LSU are set to kick off at 3p.m. CT on Saturday, Dec. 28 on ESPN.
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