No. 15 Kentucky travels to Norman after upsetting LSU, but Oklahoma’s dominant defense could bring the Wildcats back down to earth.
Two teams coming off massive upset victories will collide Saturday night as No. 15 Kentucky (5-1) travels to Norman to face Oklahoma (3-2) in a crucial SEC matchup.
Kentucky is coming off a thrilling 35-34 overtime victory over LSU, while Oklahoma stunned Texas 27-24 in the Red River Rivalry.
Both programs have plenty to prove, but the biggest question is whether Oklahoma can build on its impressive victory and finally establish some consistency.
Kentucky: Can the Wildcats Keep Rolling?
Kentucky has been one of the SEC’s biggest surprises under first-year head coach Will Stein.
Quarterback Kenny Minchey has thrown for 1,394 yards and 11 touchdowns, while running back CJ Baxter has rushed for 484 yards and eight scores.
Baxter was outstanding against LSU, rushing for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
The Wildcats are averaging nearly 35 points per game, but Oklahoma’s defense presents a completely different challenge.
Brent Venables has built one of the nation’s most physical defensive units, allowing just 17.6 points and approximately 267 yards per game.
If Kentucky cannot establish Baxter early, Minchey could face constant pressure throughout the evening.
Oklahoma: The Defense Is Carrying This Team
Oklahoma’s victory over Texas was impressive, but the Sooners still have serious offensive concerns.
Quarterback John Mateer has thrown for 1,038 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions this season.
Against Texas, Mateer managed just 155 passing yards, and Oklahoma needed a blocked punt touchdown and multiple defensive stops to secure the victory.
However, the Sooners’ defense has been outstanding.
Oklahoma is allowing just 150 passing yards per game, making life extremely difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
With Adepoju Adebawore creating pressure up front, the Sooners have the personnel to disrupt Kentucky’s offense.
If Mateer can avoid turnovers and Oklahoma establishes any consistency running the football, the Sooners should have enough offensive production to win.
How Each Team Wins
Kentucky must establish Baxter early, protect Minchey, and avoid giving Oklahoma short fields through turnovers. The Wildcats also need to force Mateer into obvious passing situations.
For Oklahoma, everything starts defensively. The Sooners must contain Baxter, pressure Minchey, and create opportunities for their offense.
Playing in Norman should also provide a significant advantage for Venables’ team.
Prediction
I expect Kentucky to keep this game competitive, but Oklahoma’s defense will ultimately make the difference.
The Wildcats should find some success moving the football, particularly early, but sustaining long drives against this Sooners defense will be extremely difficult.
Mateer won’t need to deliver a spectacular performance. Instead, Oklahoma will rely on its defense, field position, and a few explosive offensive plays.
Expect Kentucky to threaten late before Oklahoma comes up with one final defensive stop.
Final Score: Oklahoma 27, No. 15 Kentucky 21
The Sooners build on their Red River victory, improve to 4-2, and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
