This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.
The Oklahoma Sooners (4-3, 1-3 SEC) travel to take on the Ole Miss Rebels (5-2, 1-2) in Oxford, Mississippi on Saturday in hopes of securing their second conference win and reversing their fortunes for the second half of the season.
The Rebels are coming off a bye and are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss on the road at LSU in Week 7. The Rebels are still hoping to find themselves in the College Football Playoff but can’t afford another loss along the way.
How will this pivotal Week 9 contest between Oklahoma and Ole Miss turn out? Here are this week’s Sooners Wire Staff Predictions.
Sooners Wire Staff Predictions
I just don’t see a way that Oklahoma’s offense can put enough points on the board to win this game, especially on the road against a rested team coming off a bye.
Even with Seth Littrell relieved of his duties and Joe Jon Finley taking over the play calling, the offensive problems that the Sooners have won’t be fixed this season.
Kevin Johns being elevated to co-OC and QBs coach may help, but all of the offensive issues remain.
OU’s defense is good enough that this one won’t go completely off the rails. Unless the offense gives the Rebels points, as they’ve been prone to do. The South Carolina team that dominated OU last week was soundly beaten by this Ole Miss squad earlier this year. The Sooners have a very narrow path to victory: Slow down the game, get stops repeatedly, and force multiple turnovers.
If they drop to 4-4, especially if it’s in embarrassing fashion, the drumbeat of people questioning Brent Venables’ ability to be the guy at Oklahoma will continue to grow louder.
Ole Miss 30, Oklahoma 7
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