Alabama Crimson Tide

Sugar Bowl Q&A With Editor of Stormin in Norman

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:12 p.m. ET

Fansided, Jake Mastroianni/FanSided via Fly War Eagle

We were able to sit down with the editor from Stormin in Norman to answer a few questions about the Sugar Bowl matchup between Oklahoma and Auburn.

Q: What is the feeling among Oklahoma fans about getting to play Auburn from the SEC in the Sugar Bowl?

A: The Sooner fans are very excited to have OU playing in the Sugar Bowl. The Sugar Bowl spot goes to the Big 12 champion (when the Big 12 title holder is not in the CFP), which marks a sensational finish to a regular season that started out 1-2. OU has only played Auburn once before (a 40-22 Sooner victory). Bob Stoops and Co. would like nothing more than going up against an opponent from the SEC. And that goes for the Sooner Nation, as well.

Q: What are the key factors for Oklahoma to be able to win the Sugar Bowl game against Auburn?

A: The No. 1 key for the Sooners to be able to beat Auburn is to establish the run game with the combination of Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon. The running game opens up the field and triggers OU’s passing attack, led by the country’s most efficient passer and completion-percentage leader Baker Mayfield, and the deep threat posed by Biletnikoff Award winner Dede Westbrook.

Q: Who are the difference-makers for Oklahoma – on both sides of the ball – who could impact the outcome of the Sugar Bowl game?

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A: The difference makers on offense for Oklahoma are the Sooner version of the Four Horseman: QB Baker Mayfield, RBs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine and All-American wide receiver Dede Westbrook: On defense, middle linebacker Jordan Evans and defensive backs Jordan Thomas and Steven Parker are the heavy lifters.

Q: Oklahoma destroyed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl a few years ago, does that give the fans – the team – any more confidence going into this game?

A: The 2014 Sugar Bowl was a different time and a different team. Only a handful of Sooners who were at that game are on the current roster. Since that Sugar Bowl win, Oklahoma has been beaten twice fairly handily by Clemson in back-to-back bowl appearances. That is more of a motivator going into this game, plus the opportunity to go against the No. 2 team in the SEC this season, than anything else.

Q: What is your prediction for the game?

A: The key matchup in this game, from my perspective, is the Oklahoma offense vs. the very talented Auburn defense. The unit that wins this battle will determine the outcome.

Prediction: Oklahoma – 38; Auburn – 30