Ohio State Buckeyes

Oklahoma Expert Discusses Ohio State vs Oklahoma

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oklahoma FanSided expert Chip Rouse answered several questions about Saturday’s epic matchup between Ohio State and Oklahoma, two teams who have aspirations of making the College Football Playoff.

Does Oklahoma view Saturday’s game with Ohio State any differently than it did in the preseason after stumbling against Houston to open the 2016 season?The loss to Houston obviously ratchets up what’s at stake for the Sooners in the game with OSU, but to be perfectly honest, the date of the Ohio State game has been circled on the calendar since the date the two-game agreement was inked several years ago. Everyone is aware of the sense of urgency the Sooners must have entering this game and Week 3, given the current circumstances, and nothing has really changed regarding what a win over the Buckeyes would mean for Oklahoma as well as the Big 12. It was before and still is viewed as the biggest game and the biggest hurdle on the Sooners schedule this season.From OU’s perspective, what are the key factors in Saturday’s game?The No. 1 factor for Oklahoma is stopping, or at least containing, slowing down, Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett and not allowing him to beat you. The Sooners’ ill-fated history against mobile quarterbacks does not bode well for doing so, but you can be sure Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops will have OU defensive unit laser-focused on just that. The Sooners want to establish the run game with the bruising style Samaje Perine provides, complemented by the quickness, elusiveness and dramatic change of pace that you get with Joe Mixon. The run game is key to stretching the field for Baker Mayfield and the Sooners’ Air Raid offense. Run the ball and stop the run – and create disruption and deception for Barrett when the Buckeyes are on offense – will be primary elements of the Oklahoma game plan and paramount if the Sooners are to win.What about Ohio State concerns the Oklahoma coaches the most?J.T. Barrett…J.T. Barrett…J.T. Barrett. In addition, the Buckeyes opportunistic defense and the ability to create turnovers. You also cannot overlook the fact that Ohio State is the best road team in college football right now. This contest poses an intriguing story line: One of college football’s best home teams going up against a school that has not lost a road game since the final game of the 2011 regular season.What is the case for an Oklahoma victory over the Buckeyes?Establish the run early and often, maintain offensive balance and limit third-and-long situations on offense. First and foremost, however, the Sooners must get pressure on, but not over-pursue, the Buckeyes’ J.T. Barrett and not allow him to scramble out of the pocket and have time to find open receivers or tuck the ball and take off into open space. The Sooners possess one of the most, if not the most, explosive offenses Ohio State will face all year. To win this game, however, Oklahoma must get third-down stops, limit big plays on defense, make the Bucks settle for FGs, and keep the capacity home crowd in the game.What is the one matchup that might best determine the outcome of this game?The Ohio State defense against Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma’s success in defending against Mayfield’s offensive counterpart, J.T. Barrett. The defensive efforts by both teams will be the single best determinant of the outcome ofSaturday’s game.Game PredictionI don’t believe this game will feature the offensive explosion and high scoring that some experts are predicting. I believe the first team to 35 will go home the victor. OU’s back is against the proverbial wall. Because of that, I believe the Sooners will play with a greater sense of urgency and with the rare opportunity for a do-over against another ranked opponent. Experience and the home field will tilt this game in Oklahoma’s favor: Oklahoma 35-31.Must Read: Roundtable and Predictions vs OklahomaThere you have it Buckeye fans. A perspective on the game from the Oklahoma side.