Sooners set to face Tigers’ fierce D
Oklahoma hasn’t enjoyed much postseason success in recent years. Will Bob Stoops’ program find a way to turn in a better performance tonight against Auburn?
A Big 12-SEC showdown marks the 83rd installment of the Sugar Bowl, which commences at 8:30 p.m. ET. Online sports book BetDSI opened the Sooners as 6.5-point favorites over the Tigers. The over/under is set at 66.5.
After finishing the regular campaign ranked third in the country in scoring (44.7 points) and total offense (557.3 yards), OU brings a gaggle of gamebreakers to New Orleans. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 3,669 yards and 38 touchdowns across 12 contests. The junior also completed 71.2 percent of his passes, tossing just eight interceptions. His favorite target, Dede Westbrook, racked up 16 receiving TDs and averaged 19.8 yards per catch.
Gus Malzahn’s calling card, however, happens to be the nation’s fifth-ranked defense. Only Alabama eclipsed the 29-point barrier vs. Auburn in 2016. End Carl Lawson, who registered seven sacks in conference play, heads a particularly disruptive front four.
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Twelve months ago, Oklahoma got embarrassed by Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Before then, the Russell Athletic Bowl wasn’t very accommodating, whereas the Tigers have captured six of their past eight postseason affairs. In this instance, though, we simply can’t envision Malzahn’s troops containing Mayfield & Co. with any degree of regularity. Look for the Sooners to take care of business fairly decisively.
MONDAY NCAA FREE PICK: OKLAHOMA -2.5