Big 12 Conference play is finally here for Oklahoma football. It is game week against Kansas State for Lincoln Riley and the Sooners, a matchup Lincoln Riley and his team are not going to overlook.
Never forget
Kansas State gave Oklahoma some trouble over the years. Last year, the Wildcats defeated Oklahoma in Manhattan 48-41 after the Sooners made a remarkable comeback but ended up falling short. It was the Wildcats’ first time beating Oklahoma since 2014 but not their first scare. In 2017, when the Sooners had arguably one of their most explosive offenses in school history, they barely escaped Manhattan again by defeating the Wildcats 42-35.
Riley has not forgotten about the loss last season. This is a trap game for the Oklahoma Sooners.
This is Oklahoma’s first conference game of a very different and crazy season. It is against a team that gave OU one of its two losses last season that almost cost the Sooners their playoff spot. Kansas State, in its first game of the season, lost to Arkansas State 35-31. Oklahoma is heavily favored by almost 30 points for the game but has not forgotten about last year. Conference play is not something this team is prepared to overlook.
Oklahoma’s first game against Missouri State showed college football the Sooners have not lost a step. The first conference game against the Wildcats will be OU’s first real test. Kansas State will show up to play and Oklahoma will need to be ready.
Oklahoma’s key to victory
If the Sooners want to win another Big 12 title and even make another playoff appearance, their defense needs to be on every game. Kansas State struggled against Arkansas State, but every team seems to play better and be more prepared when playing Oklahoma. Kansas State will come into this game looking to make up for its horrible first loss of the season.
Last year, the Wildcats’ offense was nothing special but enough to put up 48 points on the Sooners. OU’s defense will be key in not just this game but every game from here on out. It is no secret the offense can still score, but the defense needs to keep the momentum going and continue to improve with consistency.
With no Ronnie Perkins or Jalen Redmond on the defensive line, Perrion Winfrey, the No. 1 JUCO defensive lineman, will need to step up. Perkins and Redmond combined for 57 solo tackles and nearly 12 sacks. Lastly, the secondary is another key on this defense. Oklahoma’s secondary needs to remain solid and consistent if the Sooners want to make another run.
Prediction
If the Sooners’ defense holds up and the offense is clicking, Oklahoma routs Kansas State at home 42-14. This all depends on if OU comes out wanting to avenge its loss last season and don’t give up any plays. The Wildcats will be more ready to play than they were against Arkansas State. Oklahoma will take care of business and hand the Wildcats their second loss of the season.
Photo courtesy of KStateSports.com
Hi there! My name is John Barry. I am a sports journalist at the University of Oklahoma and will be giving you updates and inside scoops on all things Sooners. Have a question or story? Email me @john.f.barry-1@ou.edu