Norman — The #11 Oklahoma Sooners aim to keep their perfect start alive as they open SEC play on Saturday, September 20, against #22 Auburn. On paper, this is shaping up as one of the most intriguing matchups of the early season.
Auburn comes in 3–0, having defeated Baylor, Ball State, and South Alabama. Central to the Tigers’ hopes is Jackson Arnold, who transferred from Oklahoma after the 2024 season. Arnold, who struggled at times behind a depleted offensive line and missing receivers at OU last year, has landed at Auburn and quickly become its offensive leader, compiling nearly 700 yards of total offense and nine touchdowns to start the year.
On the other side, Oklahoma’s offense is in the hands of Heisman-favorite John Mateer, a junior who transferred from Washington State. Mateer brings dual-threat potential and a familiarity with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s system that had many expecting Oklahoma to be more explosive. Mateer has lived up to the hype so far, accounting for nearly 1200 yards of total offense and nine total touchdowns as well.
Defensively, the Sooners are relying on a deep, disciplined defensive line unit, experienced linebackers, and a gritty secondary. While they haven’t been tested against top-tier SEC offenses yet, coaches believe this year’s defense has the talent to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and force ball-hawking plays (despite not logging a turnover through the first three games). Key attention will be paid to how quickly this defense adapts when facing Arnold, who saw many of these guys in action nearly every day in practice.
With both quarterbacks under pressure to prove themselves and two teams seeking statement wins early in the season, this game could come down to which offense adapts better under duress and which defense makes the bigger adjustment. While OU enters the game with momentum, Auburn has everything to gain and little to lose.
The game will air on ABC at 2:45 PM.
