The Oklahoma Sooners and Missouri Tigers are set to reignite a classic college football matchup this weekend, marking the first meeting since 2011 in a series that spans 96 contests since their initial clash in 1902. While not considered a primary rivalry like the Red River Rivalry or the Bedlam series, the historical significance of this matchup is undeniable.
Oklahoma holds a commanding lead in the all-time series, boasting a record of 67 wins, 24 losses, and 5 ties against Missouri. The last decade has seen the Sooners win 8 of the last 10 encounters, including a memorable 37-0 shutout in 1999, which marked the beginning of a resurgence for Oklahoma under coach Bob Stoops.
As both teams prepare for their showdown, Oklahoma has their eyes set on securing bowl eligibility with a victory. This win would also lay the groundwork for their challenging remaining matchups against Alabama and LSU.
Fans can catch the game broadcast on the SEC Network starting at 6:45 p.m. CT, with Tom Hart and Jordan Rodgers providing commentary from Faurot Field, complemented by sideline reports from Cole Cubelic. For those opting to stream, the game will be available on ESPN+ and Fubo.
The Sooners are favored to win with predictions estimating a score of 27-13, attributing their optimistic forecast to recent improvements in their offensive performance, particularly from quarterback Jackson Arnold, alongside a more consistent rushing attack. Missouri will face challenges as they will be without their starting quarterback, Brady Cook, as their offense has struggled against top-tier SEC defenses.
In summary, this matchup between Oklahoma and Missouri is not just a battle of football skills but also a demonstration of resilience and the opportunity for both teams to build momentum. With both squads fighting for important late-season outcomes, fans can expect an exciting contest filled with determination and competitive spirit.
This meeting also represents a hopeful chance for the Sooners to continue turning their season around and potentially set themselves up for a strong finish and a spot in the postseason, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of college football where anything can happen.