Missouri Tigers Look to Break Losing Streak Against No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners
The Missouri Tigers are heading into a pivotal matchup against the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners with hopes of snapping a frustrating four-game losing streak. The game, set to take place on Oklahoma’s home turf, represents a daunting challenge for Missouri but also an opportunity to regain their footing in what has been a challenging season.
The Tigers’ Struggles
Missouri’s season has been marked by inconsistency, especially during their current losing streak. The Tigers started the season with promise, boasting a strong 5-1 record, but have since faltered in conference play. The recent skid has highlighted several issues, including defensive lapses, turnovers, and difficulty closing out games against high-caliber opponents.
In their most recent loss, a narrow 27-24 defeat against a competitive Kentucky team, Missouri showed flashes of brilliance but failed to execute in key moments. Missed tackles and an inability to stop the run proved costly, as Kentucky’s offense capitalized on defensive breakdowns. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has emphasized the need for the team to clean up their execution and focus on fundamentals heading into their clash with Oklahoma.
“We’ve got to play disciplined football,” Drinkwitz stated during a midweek press conference. “Oklahoma is a talented team, and we can’t afford to beat ourselves with penalties and missed opportunities.”
Oklahoma’s Momentum
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Sooners come into the game riding high on a wave of success. Ranked No. 13 in the nation, the Sooners have a 7-2 record and are firmly in contention for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game. Their most recent victory, a commanding 38-20 win over Iowa State, showcased their ability to dominate in all phases of the game.
Oklahoma’s offense, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, has been explosive this season. Gabriel has thrown for over 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns, making him one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football. His chemistry with star wide receiver Andrel Anthony has been a key factor in the Sooners’ success, with Anthony averaging over 100 receiving yards per game.
On the defensive side, Oklahoma has also shown significant improvement under head coach Brent Venables. The Sooners’ defense has been particularly effective against the run, allowing just 3.2 yards per carry on the season. This strength could pose a significant challenge for Missouri, which has relied heavily on its rushing attack to generate offense.
Key Players to Watch
For Missouri, the spotlight will be on quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Cook has had an up-and-down season, throwing for 2,200 yards and 15 touchdowns but also committing costly turnovers in critical moments. Burden, on the other hand, has been a breakout star, leading the SEC in receiving yards with over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches will be crucial if Missouri hopes to keep pace with Oklahoma’s high-powered offense.
Missouri’s running game will also be pivotal. Running back Cody Schrader has been a workhorse for the Tigers, rushing for 850 yards and seven touchdowns. However, he will face a stiff test against Oklahoma’s formidable defensive front.
On Oklahoma’s side, Dillon Gabriel’s performance will undoubtedly be a focal point. The dual-threat quarterback has the ability to extend plays with his legs, adding another layer of difficulty for opposing defenses. Running back Tawee Walker has also emerged as a reliable option in the backfield, providing balance to the Sooners’ offensive attack.
Defensively, Oklahoma’s linebacker corps, led by Danny Stutsman, has been instrumental in their success. Stutsman’s ability to read plays and disrupt opposing offenses has made him a leader on and off the field.
Keys to the Game
For Missouri to pull off the upset, they will need to:
- Win the Turnover Battle: Turnovers have plagued the Tigers during their losing streak. Protecting the football and forcing Oklahoma into mistakes will be critical.
- Establish the Run: Schrader and the offensive line must find a way to gain yardage against Oklahoma’s stout run defense. Sustaining drives will help keep the Sooners’ explosive offense off the field.
- Contain Dillon Gabriel: Missouri’s defense must find a way to pressure Gabriel while also limiting his ability to scramble and extend plays.
For Oklahoma, the keys include:
- Start Fast: Building an early lead will force Missouri out of their comfort zone and make them one-dimensional on offense.
- Dominate the Trenches: Controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball will allow Oklahoma to dictate the pace of the game.
- Limit Luther Burden: Keeping Missouri’s star receiver in check will make it difficult for the Tigers to generate big plays.
Historical Context
Missouri and Oklahoma share a storied history as former conference rivals in the Big 12. The two teams have faced off 96 times, with Oklahoma holding a commanding 67-24-5 record in the series. Their most recent meeting in 2011 ended in a 38-28 victory for the Sooners, and Missouri will be eager to reverse the trend.
What’s at Stake
For Missouri, this game represents a chance to turn their season around and build momentum heading into the final stretch. A win over a top-15 opponent would be a signature victory for Eli Drinkwitz and could help solidify Missouri’s bowl aspirations.
For Oklahoma, the stakes are equally high. With the College Football Playoff still within reach, the Sooners cannot afford a misstep. A convincing win would strengthen their resume and keep them in the hunt for a Big 12 Championship.
Prediction
While Missouri has the talent to compete, their recent struggles and Oklahoma’s overall consistency make the Sooners the clear favorite. Expect Dillon Gabriel and the Oklahoma offense to put up big numbers, while their defense stifles Missouri’s rushing attack. Final score prediction: Oklahoma 34, Missouri 20.
Conclusion
As Missouri heads to Norman to face the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners, the Tigers are searching for answers and a way to end their losing streak. Despite the odds, college football is unpredictable, and Missouri has the talent to make this a competitive game. Whether they can execute and rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this matchup will have significant implications for both teams as the season enters its final stages.