Nearly a year ago, Missouri faced Oklahoma for the first time in over a decade, in a thrilling game that went full drunk mode in the last two minutes. Missouri struggled to get anything offensively all game, only managing to get 10 points through 3 quarters. Luckily for the Tigers, the Sooners were led by Jackson Arnold, who was surprisingly the worst QB on the field that night.

While the game was 10-9, both teams traded touchdowns, knotting the game at 16. On the ensuing Missouri drive, the Tigers would fumble, with Oklahoma getting a scoop and score. Missouri would then go down the field in 57 seconds, capping off the drive with one of the most memorable catches in a long while, Theo Wease hauling in the goal line fade to tie it at 23. What happened next however, would be even more memorable.

On 2nd and 5, with 42 seconds left in the game, the Tigers would seal the game. Arnold dropped back to pass, and as the pressure converged, Arnold rolled out. Linebacker Triston Newsom would fly at Arnold like a heat-seeking missile, forcing the fumble early into his throwing motion. Zion Young would scoop the ball up at the 17-yard line, running it in to put the Tigers up 30-23. The broadcast camera shook, the bleachers creaked as fans jumped upon them, and the hill population ran to the bottom to celebrate. Pandemonium at Faurot and what a way to cap off a rivalry game.

Tomorrow, Missouri gets the opportunity to get a win streak against the Sooners going, but the task at hand is not simple. Missouri must travel to Norman, which will certainly be a raucous environment. Missouri must also play against one of the top quarterbacks in the country, John Mateer, but also play against a team that still has its college football playoff hopes alive. As you can tell, this is much different than playing Oklahoma last year, who at the time was 5-4, with a quarterback controversy littered in.

Before breaking down our 3 keys to the game, let’s get to know the opponent, the Oklahoma Sooners:

• Record: 8-2
• CFP ranking: #8
• Key offensive players: QB John Mateer, WR Isaiah Sategna lll
• Key defensive players: LB Kip Lewis, DB Peyton Bowen
• Key Wins: @10 Alabama, @20 Tennessee

With Oklahoma sitting at 8-2, the team can not afford another loss, or else it’s playoff hopes are likely dead, putting Missouri in an interesting spot. Hypothetically, Oklahoma has much more to play for, but Missouri has the opportunity to play spoiler and also add a big win to its resume for a better bowl game. The question is, can the Tigers do it?

They certainly will get some assistance with the task at hand, as CBS insider Matt Zenitz, announced on X that Beau Pribula is set to start tomorrow, giving the Tigers their starting quarterback the chance to return at a crucial time. Over the last two games, Missouri has started true freshman Matt Zollers in Pribula’s absence, who has experienced his fair share of ups and downs. While the future is bright under Zollers, Pribula offers a brighter present.

Impressive timetable for a return, considering the injury was a dislocated ankle. Potentially, Pribula’s return could give Missouri’s passing game a spark. Missouri has the chance to get a huge upset win, so here’s how they can do that tomorrow:

1. The run game must be steadily consistent: Let’s be frank here, the chance of Ahmad Hardy getting 300 yards tomorrow is equivalent to me winning the lottery tomorrow. Not impossible, but I can basically take the answer of “no” to the bank. So, if 300 yards is not the clear cut goal, what is?

In my opinion, Missouri must gain consistent, positive yardage in early down situations. On the road, you must put yourself in 2nd and medium, 3rd and short. That’s the key. For Missouri to do this, the offensive line must get the push it needs and the run game must be more than just outside zone. I think a dose of play action to keep the Sooners defense honest will be the key.

If Missouri fails to get the run game going, I think it’s an uphill climb to keep itself in the game. Playing against one of the best defenses in the country, this is something Missouri can not afford if it wants to notch the upset.

2. Get Beau Pribula comfortable early: Many things are important to point out considering Beau Pribula. Firstly, this is the first time Pribula has played in roughly a month, coming off of the ankle injury. Secondly, Beau Pribula largely struggled before the injury. This is why I say that it’s important that Pribula can get some easy completions early on, in hopes that it can spur the Missouri offense to get going.

If the pass game can get going, that will open up the run game, which could lead to Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts getting going.

3. Keep John Matter off the ground: Everyone knows that John Mateer is a talented thrower of the football, but what some may not know is that Mateer can shred a defense with his legs. So far this season, Mateer has run for 329 yards on 104 carries, with seven touchdowns to go with it. While Mateer’s legs might not be his greatest asset, they can be, considering defenses don’t often plan for it.

Mizzou must put a spy on Mateer, something it has done exquisitely, against quarterbacks such as Jalon Daniels, LaNorris Sellers, and Diego Pavia. Missouri’s defense has been championship quality and if it can be that way yet again, Missouri has a fair shake to win this game.

To wrap this up, I think Missouri has a chance, but I don’t think it gets the job done. Oklahoma has a lot to play for, a reason that it doesn’t have to create and attempt to believe. The Sooners are in the playoff field, and a loss would surely take them out, something they cannot afford. I think this is a very low-scoring game, but Oklahoma pulls it out in a contested contest.

Prediction:

Oklahoma- 21

Missouri- 13

Where: Norman, Oklahoma

When: 11 AM CT