The Oklahoma Sooners had the type of performance that should breed a lot of confidence on both sides of the ball in their win over Alabama on Saturday. At the same time, they’re taking on a different kind of challenge this week against LSU.
Though the LSU Tigers’ offense isn’t putting up as many points per game as Alabama, they still have a really good offense capable of putting up a bunch of points. They’re really good through the air, led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and wide receiver Kyren Lacey. If there’s an area where Oklahoma has struggled with consistency, it’s in pass defense.
They were better last week against Alabama, holding Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard relatively in check. But the last time they were on the road against Missouri, they allowed big plays to Theo Wease and Luther Burden in the final two minutes of the game, leading to the game-tying touchdown by Wease.
The defense should be able to slow down the LSU run game, but if they can’t pressure Nussmeier against LSU’s stout offensive line, it could be a long day for the pass defense.
Offensively, it’s all about protecting the football. If Jackson Arnold plays a clean game, the Sooners can win in a challenging environment on the road.The Tigers run defense has been their Achilles heel this season. After what OU displayed last Saturday, you know LSU will load the box to make the Sooners beat them through the air. Given Oklahoma’s injury situation at wide receiver, now down their top six players at the position, it may be difficult to get the passing game going this week.
My heart wants to pick the Sooners to get the win, but Oklahoma has struggled to close games, they’ve turned the ball over a bunch, and if they have to rely on the passing game more than they did against Alabama, it could make for a tough outing.
LSU 24, Oklahoma 20
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