Oklahoma Hosts Missouri in Key Week 13 SEC Showdown
Eighth-ranked Oklahoma is set to host the 22nd-ranked Missouri Tigers in a Week 13 SEC showdown. The Sooners are coming off a huge road win at Alabama and look to improve to 9-2 on the season. The Tigers, meanwhile, dominated Mississippi State at home last week and come into this matchup 7-3, looking to spoil Oklahoma's playoff aspirations. Missouri is out of the playoff picture, but Oklahoma remains in the playoff conversation with the committee watching closely. The Sooners look to win and keep the momentum rolling as their College Football Playoff hopes stay alive.
Last year, Missouri knocked off Oklahoma 30-23, and the Tigers look to gain some respect and take down the Sooners for a second straight year. With two losses, the Sooners still have a legitimate path to the playoffs if they keep winning. Another SEC win would further strengthen their resume heading into rivalry week. A top 10 win for Missouri would improve their bowl standing and give the Tigers something to cheer about heading into next season. Oklahoma has won three of its last four games with quarterback John Mateer fully healthy.
The Sooners opened the season strong but stumbled against Texas and Ole Miss, but now have found their rhythm coming off a road win against Alabama. Missouri has been inconsistent and dealt with injuries all season, but is coming off a convincing blowout win against Mississippi State. Both teams come into this game with something to prove. Oklahoma is pushing to solidify a spot in the College Football Playoffs while Missouri wants to show they belong in the SEC's upper tier.
Tigers Quarterback Beau Pribula is the biggest name on the injury list and is listed as doubtful after some hope he could return after missing two games with an ankle injury. Starting defensive end R Mason Thomas is listed as questionable for the Sooners, along with defensive back Gentry Williams. Fellow defensive back Kendel Dolby is listed as out, who is another key part of the Sooners' defense. Quarterback health has been an issue all season long for the Tigers and remains a question heading into Week 13.
John Mateer will have to stay consistent for Oklahoma to remain in the College Football Playoff Picture. Oklahoma's defense as a whole has been dominant, forcing six turnovers and holding both offenses to under 100 rushing yards in the last two games. On the opposing side, Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy leads the nation in yards with 1346 rushing yards. Hardy has 15 touchdowns and will be a lead contributor, especially with uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Oklahoma's depth and recent momentum give them the edge, but Missouri's run game could keep this game close. If Oklahoma can limit turnovers and pressure Missouri's offense, they should come out on top. Ahmad Hardy will be the reason Missouri wins, but with Oklahoma's defense performing at a high level, it will be difficult for him to carry the Tigers. Oklahoma will come out on top and continue their quest for a College Football Playoff berth and a potential National Championship.
