The No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners kick off their loaded 2025 SEC slate against the No. 22 Auburn Tigers at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Norman. Sooner Nation has its own outside perspective of quarterback Jackson Arnold and his new team, but Fly War Eagle's Brian Stultz, who covers the Tigers for FanSided's Auburn site, has an inside look at the Sooners' next opponent, so we asked him all about the Tigers.
I also gave Fly War Eagle some insight on the Sooners.
1. Through three games, what has been Auburn fans’ overall opinion of quarterback Jackson Arnold?
Arnold won some doubters over with his performance in the season-opening win over Baylor, especially with how he was able to take care of the ball, make key third-down conversions and use his legs when the Bears were sitting two-deep to take away the passing game. And while some critics will argue he hasn't exactly thrown the ball well enough yet, he hasn't turned it over, either. That's improvement.
2. The Sooners beat Auburn on the road last season and have only gotten better, but so have the Tigers. What’s been the biggest improvement for Auburn that could be the difference maker this time?
Not to pick on Payton Thorne, but the quarterback situation seems to be more settled than in the past. The offensive line has also seen a massive improvement, especially in run blocking, while sometimes breaking down in protecting Arnold.
You can't put into words how bad the roster was when Hugh Freeze arrived following the Bryan Harsin era, and in year three, the coach finally has the talent that can compete with the rest of the SEC.
3. In what area do you consider Oklahoma having a strength over Auburn, and vice versa?
It has to be Oklahoma's receivers against Auburn's secondary. Coming into this season, it looked as if the Tigers' defense was stocked in the secondary, but injuries and key breakdowns have led to big plays through the air for opponents.
Auburn's strength may lie in its rushing game, as Damari Alston Jr. returns from a shoulder injury sustained during the Baylor game. At the same time, Jeremiah Cobb has proven to be a quality workhorse when needed.
4. Name one overlooked Auburn player that Oklahoma fans should watch out for
Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr. get the headlines as far as it goes for Auburn's receivers, but look out for Horatio Fields. A transfer from Wake Forest, he's a veteran presence and someone who can find pockets in defenses.
5. Score prediction and why
As you said, it's going to be extremely loud in Memorial Stadium as the Tigers visit there for the first time. Add in the fact that Arnold is returning, plus the winner of the game gets a leg up in the SEC title game race, and the environment will be electric. I see Oklahoma getting it done with tough defense and John Mateer making plays, leading to even more (and deserved) Heisman Trophy talk for the quarterback.
Oklahoma 31, Auburn 17
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