Week 4 Preview: Auburn Tigers vs. Oklahoma Sooners

No. 22 Auburn travels to Norman to face No. 11 Oklahoma in both teams’ first SEC matchup. In a game full of storylines, will the Sooners’ passing attack prevail as both teams battle injuries, or can Auburn’s ground game deliver its first road win over a ranked opponent since 2021?

How to watch:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 20 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Norman, OK)
TV: ESPN | Live stream: ESPN, Fubo, Sling

This matchup will be Auburn’s toughest test and a measuring stick for each team's playoff hopes. The Tigers have relied heavily on their ground game behind Jeremiah Cobb and Damari Alston, while Jackson Arnold has found ways to contribute with his legs. Auburn’s secondary has had its struggles, and Oklahoma QB John Mateer will likely look to take advantage through the air.

Dance With The One That Brought You

Auburn’s identity has been built on its rushing attack, and that shouldn't change against Oklahoma. Jeremiah Cobb has lifted Auburn’s rushing attack to near the top of the SEC, and Damari Alston is set to return this week as well. Auburn's average of 5.8 yards per carry is the best in the nation. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables knows how to shake up Arnold so establishing the run early will be crucial to settling his emotions and taking pressure off his shoulders.

Oklahoma's defensive front will bend but not break. They gave up 146 yards on the ground against Michigan, with the Wolverines' RB Justice Haynes going for 125 yards on 19 carries. Auburn's offensive line must execute like it has all year so Alston, Cobb, and Arnold can find room to work this game. Success on the ground will also depend on taking care of the football.

Arnold hasn’t thrown an interception, while Mateer has three already. With Oklahoma’s offensive line dealing with injuries, Auburn can take advantage by being aggressive up front and forcing turnovers — an area where the Sooners are vulnerable. If the game comes down to control at the line of scrimmage, the odds tilt slightly in Auburn’s favor.

John Mateer: Auburn’s Biggest Challenge

Auburn’s secondary has been its biggest weakness, and Heisman favorite John Mateer exhibits everything that has troubled the Tigers this season. He’s averaging over 300 passing yards and 50 rushing yards per game — the only QB in the nation to do both.

Rayshawn Pleasant and Champ Anthony are expected to return Saturday, but Jay Crawford is listed as doubtful, a major downgrade to Auburn’s pass defense. Coach Hugh Freeze plans to continue rotating freshmen and younger players into the lineup, just as he did last week against South Alabama:

“I don’t think so,” Freeze said when asked if he’d dial back the defensive rotation. “I haven’t talked to DJ (Durkin) specifically about that, but we’ve been trying to get ready for this moment by playing those young kids because you know you’re going to have to have that depth in these games."

The freshman standouts from last week – Jared Smith, AnQuon Fegans, and Elijah Melendez – will need to be ready when called upon to help slow down the Sooners’ offense. Auburn’s best chance to win will be putting consistent pressure on Mateer; if he’s allowed to settle in and pick apart the middle of the field, the Tigers’ chances are slim.

Injury Report

Wrapping up

Even if Auburn can get to Mateer through Oklahoma's banged-up offensive line, he remains second among all quarterbacks when under pressure according to PFF.

Overall, there's a chance Auburn wins this game. Both Auburn and Oklahoma have a win against a competitive opponent. However, this is hands down a nightmare matchup for the Tigers: the Heisman frontrunner QB facing a struggling secondary. Alston and Cobb should continue to find success on the ground to keep it close, but stopping Mateer will be a major challenge. While Auburn should win at least one of its next three SEC games, this likely isn’t that one.

Final score:
Oklahoma 31, Auburn 24