Shane Whitter – Syndication Server

Oklahoma Sooners name captains for week 8 contest with UCF Knights

The Oklahoma Sooners captains for the Week 8 game vs. the UCF Knights has been set.

It’s finally almost “football time in Oklahoma” once again after their bye week. The Oklahoma Sooners take on their new [autotag]Big 12[/autotag] foe the [autotag]UCF Knights[/autotag] on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CT.

On Monday night, the Sooners announced via social media the captains for this week’s contest. The captains are [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], [autotag]Da’Jon Terry[/autotag], [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag], [autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag] and [autotag]Caleb Shaffer[/autotag]. Gabriel is fresh off a huge game in the Cotton Bowl and is also playing his former team, perhaps some gamesmanship from Brent Venables.

Pearson is a guy who started early in the year before getting injured. Since returning Pearson, has maintained a steady role in the safety rotation.

Terry is fresh off his best game of the season, where he was virtually unblockable and unmovable.

Shaffer being a captain is interesting because it might point to him winning the starting right guard job while [autotag]McKade Mettauer[/autotag] is out. He came in and played well, especially given the circumstances.

Whitter is someone who is mainly a special teams player for the Sooners. He’s someone people have always thought would be a transfer candidate. He’s committed to the program, to Venables and the standard he’s laid out since arriving in Norman. That’s a guy you want as a leader because it would have been easy to just up and leave.

All in all, it’s a good group of captains, and it’s good to have football back at the palace.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Oklahoma’s Linebackers look to be the heart and soul of the defense

Led by Danny Stutsman, the Oklahoma’s linebackers will be the heart of the 2023 Sooners on defense.

There’s no secret: In [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]’ defense, the linebacker is the heart and soul of it.

It’s the position he coached and spent the most time with during his career. It will be essential for the unit to take another step if this defense is to improve in 2023.

The Sooners return [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], who led the Big 12 in tackles with 126 last season. Part of the reason is he never came off the field. Only two players played more snaps in 2022 than Danny Stutsman. He was really good in the first half, but in the second half, like the Sooners’ defense, he struggled. This year, the depth is better but unproven. Stutsman will likely be this team’s starting weak side linebacker

Next to him will be either [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag] or [autotag]Kobie McKinzie[/autotag]. They replacing [autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], who was fourth in the Big 12 in tackles but transferred to the Houston Cougars to play his more natural position of defensive end.

While neither McKinzie nor Kanak bring the experience Ugwoegbu had, they bring the athleticism Ugwoegbu lacked.

Both should be key for the Sooners’ defense this year. Kanak brings incredible athleticism and can fly around the field, while McKinzie brings the power. If you could combine those two, they’d be the perfect linebacker.

After that, there are question marks. [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag] flashes every time you watch him, but he has to add weight. He was incredibly productive in the spring game, leading the Sooners with 11 tackles.

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag] has been around for a while. He got hurt last year but at least brings experience. He’s a really good rotation linebacker that could play a key role in keeping Stutsman fresh throughout games.

Can any of the freshmen make an impact? There’s a great deal of hype around [autotag]Lewis Carter[/autotag], [autotag]Samuel Omosigho[/autotag] and [autotag]Phil Picciotti[/autotag]. But as we saw last year with Kanak and McKinzie, it’s hard to get on the field as a freshman.

One thing is for certain. The coaches have to find ways to spell Stutsman and get him off of the field for a series or two during a game. If they do that, he could be primed for a breakout season that could garner postseason honors.

Overall as a unit, they have to be better.

Too often last year, they looked confused and out of place. They looked hesitant and weren’t trusting what they were seeing. That can’t happen this season if they want to achieve their goals as a defense.

But if there’s one person I’d never question when it comes to linebacker play, it’s Venables.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

‘We’ve made exponential improvement’: Brent Venables likes what the Sooners have at linebacker

Despite veteran losses at the position, Brent Venables likes what he has in the Oklahoma Sooners’ young linebacker room.

The Oklahoma Sooners lacked depth at the linebacker position in 2022. As the season wore on, it became clear that the Sooners weren’t comfortable with what they had at the position beyond their starters [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], [autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], and [autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag].

Back in January, we looked at this exact issue.

According to Pro Football Focus, only 11 off-ball linebackers played more than 900 snaps in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and three of them were Oklahoma Sooners. Toledo was the only other team that had multiple linebackers with more than 900 snaps on the season.

Danny Stutsman tied for the FBS lead in snaps at linebacker with North Texas’ K.D. Davis at 992. Only two players in all of college football played more snaps than Stutsman; UNT safety Sean Thomas-Faulkner and Georgia Southern safety Anthony Wilson. – John Williams, Sooners Wire

The losses of [autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag] and [autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag] left Brent Venables and Ted Roof with few options at linebacker and “Cheetah.” Stutsman, Ugwoegbu, and White played a ton of snaps.

It was expected that the Oklahoma Sooners would look to the transfer portal to shore up some of their depth at linebacker. They did add a couple of players that could factor in at “Cheetah,” but no traditional off-ball linebacker to either replace Ugwoegbu or provide depth behind Stutsman.

The Sooners’ defensive staff is looking to the return of Whitter, who Venables says will be ready for spring ball, and their last two recruiting classes to be key pieces at linebacker for 2023.

“I feel like we got exactly what we need,” Venables shared in the Sooners new additions media day on Thursday. “But, (if) you look at it like I do, like, ‘golly, we really can’t afford an injury here.’ You know, if that happens, it’s to me a different conversation. And just the margin for error is small there. But I love the group of guys. And we’ve made exponential improvement from where we were a year ago at this time.”

Though many of the faces are the same, sans Ugweogbu and White, those faces have a year of experience in the program. They’re a year older, more physically and mentally developed, and with the 2023 group of linebackers, a more talented group of players.

Danny Stutsman will return to start for Oklahoma at one of the linebacker spots, presumably the weakside (WILL), where he was a first-year starter in 2022. Stutsman played well, leading Oklahoma and the Big 12 in tackles. Going into his third season with the Sooners and second as a starter, there are high expectations for one of the leaders of the defense.

“Danny was outstanding,” Venables said on Thursday. “In our bowl game, and think it was quite obvious, he was the best player on our defense. And I say that because I’m not worried about Danny getting full of himself. But I’m also going to recognize a guy that I think we can build a defense around. And he’s got a lot to improve at to, physically, fundamentally, understanding. But he’s a guy that’s been putting in the work, and he’s fanatical about putting in work and improving. Got a great sense of desperation.”

Then there will be quite the competition for snaps at the middle linebacker (MIKE) and “Cheetah” spots.

Whitter and 2022 four-star linebacker prospects [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag], [autotag]Kobie McKinzie[/autotag], and [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag] will be the names that factor into the positional battle. They’re joined this offseason by early enrollee [autotag]Phil Picciotti[/autotag]. [autotag]Samuel Omosigho[/autotag] and [autotag]Lewis Carter[/autotag] will join them as summer enrollees.

Venables admits they’re thin at linebacker but also really likes where they’re at. It’s a talented group of players to work with. We saw flashes from Kanak during the 2022 season, leading many to wonder why he didn’t play more, given the number of snaps the linebackers were playing.

Despite being thin at linebacker, Venables would prefer not to add another player at the position. If an injury occurs, they’ll look into it after spring ball, but he wants to invest in the guys in the room right now.

“Hopefully, we don’t have to address that because I really like where the group is right now,” Venables said about the progression of the group. “Mentally and physically, fundamentally, their understanding, the segment meetings that we’ve had with him, and then the time that they come in on their own with the cut-ups that we’ve created. We’ve shown them a lot of things that we got to get better at, where we fell short last year, positionally, fundamentally instinctually.”

While they’re young, It’s a talented group. They’ll need to take a big step this offseason to help the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense improve from where they were in 2022. But they’re a group that’s mostly been in the system for a year now. They have a better understanding of what the expectations and responsibilities are.

On the surface, depth may appear to be an issue for the Oklahoma Sooners at linebacker. However, despite its youth, they’re a more talented group than they were a year ago, and that should be an exciting proposition for Oklahoma’s defensive future.

Here’s a look at some of the best photos from Oklahoma’s new addition media day on Thursday.

Improving linebacker depth key to improving Oklahoma Sooners defense for 2023

Only 11 linebackers played more than 900 snaps in 2022. Three of them were Oklahoma Sooners. Danny Stutsman led the way at the position with nearly 1,000 snaps.

One of the issues the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense faced in 2022 was that the defense was on the field far too much. In particular, linebackers [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], [autotag]DaShaun White,[/autotag] and [autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag] played a ton of snaps for the Sooners.

One could argue they played too much.

As Oklahoma went 0-5 in games decided by one score or less, one could point to how much the Sooners’ trio of linebackers had to be on the field. Injuries to T.D. Roof and Shane Whitter forced the defensive staff’s hand to play that trio of backers as much as possible. They didn’t have much choice, feeling like their 2022 linebacker signees weren’t ready to play a significant amount of snaps. That left Stutsman, White, and Ugwoegbu to play over 900 snaps on the season. Stutsman was eight snaps away from an even 1,000.

According to Pro Football Focus, only 11 off-ball linebackers played more than 900 snaps in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and three of them were Oklahoma Sooners. Toledo was the only other team that had multiple linebackers with more than 900 snaps on the season.

Danny Stutsman tied for the FBS lead in snaps at linebacker with North Texas’ K.D. Davis at 992. Only two players in all of college football played more snaps than Stutsman; UNT safety Sean Thomas-Faulkner and Georgia Southern safety Anthony Wilson.

With opposing offenses averaging 80 plays a game and several of those games approaching 100, the Oklahoma Sooners needed more depth to help carry the burden that Stutsman, White, and Ugwoegbu faced.

Stutsman averaged 83 snaps a game in Big 12 play. Over the final five weeks of the conference schedule, when Oklahoma went 2-3 and were 0-3 in games decided by a field goal, Stutsman averaged 90.2 snaps a game. In those final five games, Oklahoma’s No. 4 linebacker, Jaren Kanak, played just 20 snaps, with zero defensive snaps against Iowa State and Texas Tech.

Now for more bad news. DaShaun White is off to the NFL. [autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag]’s status remains unknown at the moment. He could follow White to the pros or choose to use his COVID year to play a fifth season for the Sooners.

If Ugwoegbu leaves, Stutsman is the only linebacker on the defense that has played a significant amount of snaps for the Sooners. [autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag] will be back, providing a bit of experience, but he has fewer than 300 snaps to his ledger through three seasons.

For reference, Clemson’s top linebacker, Barrett Carter played 835 snaps in 2022, but the Tigers had four other linebackers with at least 600 snaps, according to PFF.

Now, they’ve added some talented players to the linebacker depth chart in the 2022 and 2023 recruiting classes, but aside from [autotag]Jaren Kanak[/autotag], there isn’t much to go off of right now.

Kanak, [autotag]Kobie McKinzie[/autotag], and [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag] were highly-regarded 2022 signees, but aside from Kanak in limited runs, the staff didn’t feel comfortable putting them out there as true freshmen.

It’s understandable. There’s a lot that goes into playing linebacker at the collegiate level. From pre-snap reads to understanding adjustments before the snap to executing their responsibilities within the scheme post-snap, there’s a lot to take into consideration. For those same reasons, the 2023 guys may not be ready to be day-one contributors. So, Oklahoma needs its 2022 signees to be ready to contribute significantly in 2023.

Getting off the field on third and fourth down will help limit the snaps of their linebackers, but perhaps having better depth at the position would help a guy like Danny Stutsman play at max efficiency in the fourth quarter. If he’s not having to play every snap of every game because the Sooners have a guy they feel like they can put out there for a series or two earlier in the game, it would only benefit the ascending Stutsman.

[listicle id=78273]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz7cqqgxy50qwt player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Tech Red Raiders: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find the game on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma at Texas Tech. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (6-5, 3-5 Big 12) will face Texas Tech (6-5, 4-4) on Saturday night in Lubbock, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

Heading into last weekend, both the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Tech were still in search of the win to get them to bowl eligibility. For both teams, it’s been a roller coaster of a season with their first-year head coaches, though Oklahoma’s struggles have been more the surprise.

Joey McGuire has Texas Tech bowl eligible for the second-straight season. It’s the first time since 2012-2013 that the Red Raiders have gone to a bowl game in back-to-back seasons.

The big storyline facing the Red Raiders is the loss of Tyree Wilson for the season. Their star edge rusher was in the midst of a fantastic year with 61 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Texas Tech’s defense has had some issues in 2022, losing their best player creates a hole along the defensive front, particularly in the pass rush.

The Sooners are dealing with their own injury issues, as Andrew Raym will miss the remainder of the year after having surgery. Robert Congel has filled in admirably in his absence, but the interior offensive line will be something to watch.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
TV Channel: FS1
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Andrew Raym[/autotag], S: Out (Leg)

Daniel Parker Jr., TE: Out Indefinitely (Suspension)

Texas Tech

[autotag]Behren Morton[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Ankle)

[autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Bryce Ramirez[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Leg)

[autotag]Bryce Robinson[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Leg)

[autotag]Cole Spencer[/autotag], OL: Out for Season (Knee)

[autotag]Mason Tharp[/autotag], TE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Tyree Wilson[/autotag], LB: Out for Season (Foot)

[lawrence-related id=75639]

Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 62% for 2,476 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. 39 carries, 336 yards, and 5 touchdowns.*

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 47 receptions for 844 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 28 receptions for 382 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 165 carries for 1,113 yards, 10 touchdowns at 6.7 yards per carry. 28 receptions for 189 yards and 0 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], WR: 29 receptions for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns. 12 carries for 113 yards, 0 touchdowns at 9.4 yards per carry. 12 kickoff returns for 275 yards at 22.9 yards per return.

[autotag]Drake Stoops[/autotag], WR: 31 receptions for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 100 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 8933 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 76 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended.

[autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], DE: 33 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended.

[autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], DT: 20 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 passes defended.

Texas Tech

[autotag]Tyler Shough[/autotag], QB: 58% for 632 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions. 18 carries, 152 yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns.*

[autotag]Myles Price[/autotag], WR: 42 receptions for 424 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Xavier White[/autotag], WR: 41 receptions for 557 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jerand Bradley[/autotag], WR: 35 receptions for 483 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Tahj Brooks[/autotag], RB: 121575 carries for 575 yards, 7 touchdowns at 4.8 yards per carry.

[autotag]Sa’Roderick Thompson[/autotag], RB: 111 carries for 584 yards, 4 touchdowns at 5.3 yards per carry.

[autotag]Krishon Merriweather[/autotag], LB: 96 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]Kosi Eldridge[/autotag], LB: 68 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception.

Marquis Waters, S: 48 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

*Quarterback rushing numbers compiled from Pro Football Focus that doesn’t take away sack yardage from QB rushing totals.

[mm-video type=video id=01gjh429qnjngb5r51xa playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gjh429qnjngb5r51xa/01gjh429qnjngb5r51xa-a9b5c794fc580071576d626687a11d64.jpg]

[listicle id=76107]

[listicle id=76087]

Oklahoma Sooners vs. No. 24 Oklahoma State Cowboys: Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

Latest lines and betting preview for the Oklahoma Sooners’ in-state matchup with Oklahoma State. From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners play host to the No. 24 Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds, and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 6:30 p.m. CT and can be seen on ABC.

In their loss last week against West Virginia, Oklahoma failed to cover a spread yet again, falling to 3-7 on the season. In inclement weather, the two sides played a low-scoring affair that also failed to hit the over and fell to 4-5-1 against the point total.

Despite having a worse record, Oklahoma is more than a touchdown favorite at home against their in-state rivals. While the all-time series record heavily favors the Sooners and Spencer Sanders may be limited, it’s hard to fathom Oklahoma being that big of a favorite with the season they’ve had.

Let’s take a look at the betting lines from BetMGM.

[betwidget_betmgm]

[lawrence-related id=75614]

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM.

Point spread: Oklahoma minus-7.5
Money line: Oklahoma minus-300 / Oklahoma State plus-230
Over-Under: 66

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Justin Broiles[/autotag], S: Questionable (Knee)

Oklahoma State

[autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Shoulder)

[autotag]Trace Ford[/autotag], DE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Thomas Harper[/autotag], S: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Blaine Green[/autotag], WR: Questionable (Wrist)

[autotag]Tyler Lacy[/autotag], DE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Garret Rangel[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[lawrence-related id=75639]

Advice and prediction

It’s expected to be 40 degrees at kickoff, and at the moment, there isn’t any moisture or wind in the forecast. Still, by halftime, the temperature will be at or below freezing in Norman. That could play a factor in Oklahoma’s ability to find a rhythm offensively.

As we’ve seen in recent weeks, the best part of the Oklahoma offense is their running game led by [autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag]. Oklahoma State’s run defense is a little bit better than Oklahoma’s, but the Cowboys still allow 163 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry. Gray is second among Power Five runners with at least 150 carries on the season at 6.7 yard per carry.

On what will be a cold night, Oklahoma should continue to lean on the ground game to take the pressure off of a passing attack that’s been inconsistent in recent weeks.

In this game, the big question comes down to how healthy is [autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag]. He’s expected to play and will be a threat, but after missing the Kansas game and being limited against Iowa State, there’s no clear expectation on how much he’ll be able to do. Still, he’s a threat with his legs and that’s caused Oklahoma a lot of trouble in 2022. Expect that to keep the Sooners off balance, even if Sanders isn’t at full strength throwing the ball.

The Sooners have struggled to cover spreads in 2022, and I don’t think they will here. With the chilly temps and Oklahoma State’s excellent third-down defense (ninth in the nation at 28.8%), the Sooners will struggle to score a ton of points in this game. Take the under.

Prediction: Oklahoma 27, Oklahoma State 23

Record against the spread and O/U in 2022: 11-8-1.

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

[listicle id=75680]

[listicle id=75682]

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See applicable operator site for its terms and conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21 or older to gamble.

[listicle id=75682]

[listicle id=75680]

Oklahoma Sooners vs. No. 24 Oklahoma State Cowboys: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find Bedlam on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (5-4, 2-4 Big 12) will face Oklahoma State (7-3, 4-3) on Saturday night in Bedlam, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to end their two-game skid against in-state rival Oklahoma State, who’s been playing some up-and-down football after a 5-0 start. The Cowboys are 2-3 over their last five, and starting quarterback Spencer Sanders has been dealing with a shoulder injury that’s limited him over the last three weeks.

This game has Big 12 title implications for Oklahoma State, who can stay alive with a win over the Sooners. Oklahoma is looking to crack bowl eligibility with a win to avoid missing out on bowl season for the first time since 1998.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ABC
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

[lawrence-related id=75749]

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Justin Broiles[/autotag], S: Questionable (Knee)

Oklahoma State

[autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Shoulder)

[autotag]Trace Ford[/autotag], DE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Thomas Harper[/autotag], S: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Blaine Green[/autotag], WR: Questionable (Wrist)

[autotag]Tyler Lacy[/autotag], DE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Garret Rangel[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[lawrence-related id=75639]

Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 63.9% for 2,217 yards, 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. 33 carries, 304 yards, and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 42 receptions for 776 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 25 receptions for 347 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 165 carries for 1,113 yards, 10 touchdowns at 6.7 yards per carry. 28 receptions for 189 yards and 0 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], WR: 28 receptions for 357 yards and 2 touchdowns. 12 carries for 113 yards, 0 touchdowns at 9.4 yards per carry. 10 kickoff returns for 242 yards at 24.4 yards per return.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 91 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 passes defended.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 83 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 68 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 5 passes defended.

[autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], DE: 30 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 passes defended.

[autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], DT: 19 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 passes defended.

Oklahoma State

[autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag], QB: 58.5% for 2,261 yards, 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions. 60 carries, 386 yards, and 8 rushing touchdowns.

[autotag]Bryson Green[/autotag], WR: 35 receptions for 573 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brennan Pressley[/autotag], WR: 47 receptions for 544 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]John Paul Richardson[/autotag], WR: 37 receptions for 430 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Dominic Richardson[/autotag], RB: 149 carries for 543 yards, 8 touchdowns at 3.9 yards per carry.

[autotag]Collin Oliver[/autotag], DT: 21 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks.

[autotag]Mason Cobb[/autotag], LB: 77 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

*Quarterback rushing numbers compiled from Pro Football Focus that doesn’t take away sack yardage from QB rushing totals.

[listicle id=75680]

[listicle id=75684]

Oklahoma Sooners at West Virginia Mountaineers: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find the Sooners game on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma at West Virginia. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (5-4, 2-4 Big 12) will face West Virginia (3-6, 1-5) on Saturday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

Heading into the Sooners’ week 11 contest with the West Virginia Mountaineers, Oklahoma finds itself once again in bounce-back mode. It’s unfamiliar territory, as Oklahoma hasn’t lost more than two games in a season since 2014. The Sooners have won fewer than 10 games just five times since 1999, one season being the COVID-shortened 2020 season in which they went 9-2.

With three games remaining, the Sooners are fighting for bowl eligibility. It’s a low bar by Oklahoma standards, but winning out and playing in and winning a bowl game are the last accomplishable goals for this team this season.

The Sooners need to finish strong to build positive momentum heading into the offseason and to close out their top 10 recruiting class. It all starts Saturday against last-place in the Big 12 West Virginia.

[lawrence-related id=75269]

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022
Time: 11 a.m. CT
TV Channel: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

[lawrence-related id=75158]

Oklahoma vs. West Virginia injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag], S: Questionable (Hamstring)

West Virginia

[autotag]C.J. Donaldson[/autotag], RB: Out for season (leg)

[autotag]Mike O’Laughlin[/autotag], TE: Out for season (leg)

[autotag]Tony Mathis Jr[/autotag]., RB: Questionable (Undisclosed)

Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 64.3% for 2,027 yards, 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. 53 carries, 250 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 38 receptions for 678 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 25 receptions for 347 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 140 carries for 902 yards, 8 touchdowns at 6.4 yards per carry. 24 receptions for 177 yards and 0 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], WR: 23 receptions for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns. 11 carries for 109 yards, 0 touchdowns at 9.9 yards per carry. 8 kickoff returns for 186 yards at 23.3 yards per return.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 77 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, 3 passes defended.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 74 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

DaShaun White, LB: 57 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sacks, 1 interception, 5 passes defended.

West Virginia

[autotag]J.T. Daniels[/autotag], QB: 61.3% for 2,042 yards, 13 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

[autotag]Bryce Ford-Wheaton[/autotag], WR: 51 receptions for 605 yards and 6 touchdowns.

[autotag]Tony Mathis, Jr.[/autotag], RB: 99 carries for 492 yards, 5 touchdowns at 5 yards per carry.

[autotag]Dante Stills[/autotag], DT: 21 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks.

[autotag]Lee Kpogba[/autotag], LB: 58 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[mm-video type=video id=01gheqbhdq7gkmwj7g0t playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gheqbhdq7gkmwj7g0t/01gheqbhdq7gkmwj7g0t-1c0afdc86e83a47a8c8c5519ea377b7d.jpg]

[listicle id=75224]

[listicle id=75230]

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Baylor Bears: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find the Sooners game on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma vs. Baylor Bears. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (5-3, 2-3 Big 12) will face Baylor (5-3, 3-2) on Saturday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

The Sooners hold a 28-4 edge over the Baylor Bears all-time. However, since 2011, the series has been much closer. Oklahoma is just 8-4 vs. the Bears over the last 12 matchups, including the 2019 Big 12 title game.

From 2011 to 2014, the Bears went 3-1 against the Sooners, and Oklahoma responded by winning seven straight until Baylor ended Oklahoma’s perfect 2021 with a 27-14 win in Waco.

Now, the Sooners are playing for progress and pride and get the opportunity to play spoiler. Baylor still has a shot at the Big 12 title game but would need to win out in order to do so. This won’t be an easy contest as the Bears are averaging 38 points per game on the season. Can the improving Sooners’ defense take another step in the right direction?

We’ll find out on Saturday afternoon.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

Date: Nov. 5, 2022
Time: 2 p.m. CT
Live Stream: ESPN+
Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

[lawrence-related id=74231]

Oklahoma vs. Baylor injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag], S: Questionable (Hamstring)

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: Questionable (Leg)

Baylor

Drake Dabney, TE: Out for season (broken leg)

Taye McWilliams, RB: Out indefinitely (Undisclosed)

Craig Williams, RB: Questionable (Head)

Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 64.2% for 1,766 yards, 14 touchdowns and 1 interception. 44 carries, 180 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 34 receptions for 558 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 22 receptions for 320 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], TE: 20 receptions for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 117 carries for 796 yards, 6 touchdowns at 6.8 yards per carry.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 67 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 interception.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 68 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 49 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 passes defended, 1 interception.

Baylor Bears

[autotag]Blake Shapen[/autotag], QB: 64.7% for 1,819 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. 47 carries, 57 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Gavin Holmes[/autotag], WR: 23 receptions for 474 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Richard Reese/autotag], RB: 152 carries for 791 yards, 12 touchdowns at 5.2 yards per carry.

[autotag]Al Walcott[/autotag], DB: 49 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1. sack, 3 passes defended, 1 interception.

[autotag]Gabe Hall, DT[/autotag]: 20 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks.

[listicle id=74823]

[listicle id=74769]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz7cqqgxy50qwt player_id=none image=https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Baylor Bears: Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

The Oklahoma Sooners look to extend their winning streak to three as a slight favorite against Baylor at home.

The Oklahoma Sooners play the Baylor Bears on Saturday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds, and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 2 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.

This week’s matchup between Oklahoma and Baylor features two teams that had high preseason expectations. Now in week 10, Baylor is fighting for their Big 12 title game lives, and Oklahoma is fighting for pride. While the Sooners still have a 0.1% chance at winning the Big 12 title, they’d have to win out and have a lot happen over the final four weeks of the season to have even a remote chance of making the Big 12 title game.

The Baylor Bears, on the other hand, have a simpler task. Win out in games against Oklahoma, Kansas State, TCU, and Texas, and they’re in. Kansas State, TCU, and Texas represent three of the top four in the Big 12 standings heading into week 10.

Baylor is 5-3 against the spread in 2022 and the Sooners are just 3-5, or 3-4-1, depending on what number you ended up with against Kansas in the Sooners’ 10-point win. Baylor is 6-2 against the over/under, and Oklahoma is 3-4-1.

It’s going to be a tight contest this weekend in Norman, let’s take a look at the betting lines from BetMGM.

[betwidget_betmgm]

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

Updated 6:40 p.m. 10/27/2022.

Point spread: Oklahoma minus-3.5
Money line: Oklahoma minus-175 /Baylor plus-145
Over-Under: 61.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Oklahoma vs. Baylor injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag], S: Questionable (Hamstring)

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: Questionable (Leg)

Baylor

Drake Dabney, TE: Out for season (broken leg)

Taye McWilliams, RB: Out indefinitely (Undisclosed)

Craig Williams, RB: Questionable (Head)

Advice and prediction

Both Oklahoma and Baylor are averaging more than 30 points per game in 2022. If you look only at games in which Dillon Gabriel played a full 60 minutes, the Sooners are averaging 40 points per game.

The biggest difference in this matchup is that the Bears rank 50th in the country in points allowed per game at 23.25, while the Oklahoma Sooners are allowing 28.75 points per game, which is tied for 83rd in the nation.

While Baylor’s defense has looked good at times, they haven’t played an offense as good as the Sooners with Dillon Gabriel at the helm. The only win the Bears have against a team averaging more than 30 points per game is their 35-23 win over Kansas, and that was with Jason Bean at the helm. The only other team that they’ve played averaging more than 30 points per game this season is Oklahoma State, who they lost to 36-25.

The Bears’ defense allowed West Virginia to score 43 points just three weeks ago.

This game is destined to hit the over. The Oklahoma Sooners proved last week that they can score on the best defenses in the Big 12. The question comes down to can the Sooners slow down a strong offensive attack from Baylor. They’ll build on their performances against Kansas and Iowa State and find ways to get stops.

Look for a bounceback performance from Dillon Gabriel and Marvin Mims, and at home, the Sooners win and cover the 3.5-point spread.

Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Baylor 30

Record against the spread and O/U in 2022: 10-5-1.

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

[mm-video type=video id=01ggttvsrq12ykwbph85 playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01ggttvsrq12ykwbph85/01ggttvsrq12ykwbph85-41d84e1d7bb8ac44e8d72ed9720d70a1.jpg]

[listicle id=74823]

[listicle id=74769]