Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma Football: Previewing the 2017 second-half schedule

By Sixto Ortiz

NORMAN, OK - AUGUST 30: The Oklahoma Sooners take the field before the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs August 30, 2014 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bulldogs 48-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - AUGUST 30: The Oklahoma Sooners take the field before the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs August 30, 2014 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bulldogs 48-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 3: Members of the Kansas State Wildcats huddle before a game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 3: Members of the Kansas State Wildcats huddle before a game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

October 21 — The Sooners clash with the K-State Wildcats in Manhattan

In 2016, the Sooners beat Kansas State 38-17 in Norman, paced by a four-TD performance from Baker Mayfield and a solid — if not spectacular, by any means — rushing effort. No Oklahoma running back went over 100 yards on the ground (Joe Mixon paced all runners with a 92-yard effort), but the Sooners were still able to keep the Kansas State at bay.

This season’s matchup in Manhattan is expected to be a bit tougher for Oklahoma, which will come in with a new cast of running backs and receivers. The key question is whether or not the Oklahoma offense will find its groove by the time the Sooners go to Manhattan. If Oklahoma is able to replace the massive production from Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine and Dede Westbrook, the Sooners should be fine.

However, if the offense is sputtering, the Sooners might find this matchup with K-State quite daunting. The Wildcat defense defended the Oklahoma rushing attack quite well in 2016, so Lincoln Riley and the offense should expect a similar result in 2017. One historical fact in the Sooners favor in this one is that OU has won its last six road games at Kansas State,

There’s no doubt that by the time Oct. 21 rolls around, the Oklahoma offensive identity will be established.

For the Wildcats, quarterback Jesse Ertz returns for his senior season. Ertz was solid but unspectacular in the passing game last season. His 1,012 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns led the Wildcats in 2016. Mike Stoops’ defense must account for Ertz’s running ability, neutralize that facet of the Wildcat offense, and force Ertz to win the game with his arm.

An optimistic point of view has the Sooner offense playing well by the time they meet the Wildcats in Manhattan. But the going is a bit tougher this time around.

Predicted Score: Sooners 24, Wildcats 17

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