Oklahoma vs Auburn - Josh Pate's Preview & Prediction

Oklahoma vs Auburn is one of the biggest games on College Football's week 5 schedule with Brent Venables and the Sooners heading into Auburn to face Hugh Freeze and the Tigers. On Late Kick Live Ep 558 Josh Pate broke down the matchup and offered his preview and prediction. Will Michael Hawkins and the Oklahoma offense be able to function at a high level? How will the Auburn defense look early? Let us know what you think in the comments below and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and CLICK THE BELL for notifications as we bring you multiple live shows per week!
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[@gmoneypimp9942]

Best unit on the field by FAR is OU's D... D always travels, new QB should give them a little bit of juice and a spark. Give me OU on the road

[@WDWelly]

Auburn fan here, our offense is actually good statistically speaking and pretty explosive but I’ve never seen in my entire life an offense that turns the ball over like this. It doesn’t matter how good we are on offense if we turn it over 5 times. I believe we are -16 in the turnover margin in the past 6 games, insanity. OU wins 17-9

[@cammywammy420]

OU has 12 turn overs so far in the season too, so that just kinda plays into the weakness you were talking about. That being said, we are also big fans of gifting possessions, so it may go both ways. Without JA though, you may get less free possessions

[@WDWelly]

@@cammywammy420 I just think given how bad the turnovers have been for us, with this OU defense we will need to simplify our offense, which OU would easily stop and if we don't which Hugh Freeze has said he wasn't going to, TOs will happen. Would not be surprised if one of OUs scores is a pick six.

[@JDUBB2399]

​@WDWelly OU has been consistently good at getting stops on defense and forcing turnovers. As an OU fan, I'd love to get 4 or 5 against Auburn, but I understand 100% what it's like having a qb that is the defensive mvp of most of games he plays in.

[@PrenticeJones-fh2ew]

​@WDWelly, no, the qb's just need to stop rushing and go through their progressions.

[@thebeastfromtheeast6898]

Reminds of clemson last year…3-4 turnovers every game

[@larrycox7169]

We are going to ride that Defensive mule to victory... I'm praying at least...

[@joelledbetter2926]

Ya a true freshman won us a natty one year not that we are doing anything like that but OU should win by double digits if not then we will be lucky to win 2 more games

[@markkennedy9102]

Here is the KEY to me: turnovers. Alabama has 6, Georgia has none. In a close game, this will make a huge difference.

[@ricefields7539]

Wrong vid

[@michaelhapgood782]

I have a hard time thinking Auburn will score more than 3 on OU's defense. Has to be one of the best in the country. I think Hawk will preform well and make some good decisions with the ball. We have to see about what OU has done with it's O-Line. They were perthitic last week. I would like to see Bates back at center.

[@kjswitch935]

Ou fan here we pulling and taking this win never loose faith in sooner magic.

[@SoonerMikeD]

Hard to argue with of that. If OU loses this one I think the wheels are coming off the schooner as it launches off a cliff for this season. Then who knows where that leaves is for the future.

[@MrMechling45]

That leaves Ventables without a job

[@jacksonhollis2676]

I’ll take Oklahoma

[@24collin24Collin]

Hawkins got some plays and a TD on one of the best defenses in the country, so is pate suggesting auburns defense is as good as tennessee??? Give me 35-6 OU, also hawkins played half the game

[@PrenticeJones-fh2ew]

Lmbo, Auburn's defense is a lot better than what you think.

[@MrMgage13]

@@PrenticeJones-fh2ew its not better than tennessee's though, sorry

[@Cowboybrian01]

@@PrenticeJones-fh2ewI really hope you’re not suggesting Auburn’s D is anywhere near as good as Tennessee’s…

[@cletustrainer]

Thank Alabama A&M for that explosive offensive Auburn stat

[@buddyryeSE]

I have a ton of belief in Hawkins. Boomer!

[@henchmannumber_1735]

I'll take Oklahoma but man that offense is really decrepit. One of the lowest functioning offenses I ever remember seeing. Their defense compares favorably to the best in the country.

[@pokerus4511]

The play where Hawkins went and nearly learned on his head 6 inches from the goaline shows his will to play and to do what is needed to get a TD. Hopefully we can start running the ball some with our RBs so our passing game opens up too. Boomer!

[@PrenticeJones-fh2ew]

Afraid to say that you might not do much running on Auburn's d.

[@MrMgage13]

@@PrenticeJones-fh2ew k

[@blakeharrison3972]

Not even hating but seeing a game with no QBs will be interesting, I’m excited to see this

[@JDUBB2399]

Hawkins will be starting, so OU could be a different team lmao.

[@jakepadgett5569]

Yea that’s so funny. Lmao

[@NikolaiPCulp]

Whoever wins will win this thing 7-6 7: safety, field goal, safety 6: field goal, safety, extra point (don’t ask how)

[@GT05578]

They gonna play some Iowa football

[@craigmorris3055]

They can't have an offensive identity they have 5 of their top 5 receivers out, they have had so many injuries on the offensive line no way to have an identity right now.

[@KaJaGoated1]

Yea OUr top 4 guys are out at wr, but Hawk has been practicing w the current group of starters since he got to campus. He put together 2 td drives against a UT defense that hadn't given up a td all yr so there's still hope. We'll see this Saturday 🤷‍♂️ BOOMER

[@OkieDokie_17]

One thing I've learned as a college football fan is that the teams is never as good as fans think they it is when things are going well and it's never as bad as fans think it is when it's going poorly. I have a ton of faith in the OU defense. Tennessee made some plays, but you have to remember how inept that offense was in the first half. The defense would play lights out and force a turnover, then Jackson would give it right back to Tennessee. Just don't do that and this team looks a lot better. There were so many wasted possessions. Once Jackson was benched, the effectiveness of the offense changed dramatically. Hawkins doesn't have to go win the game every play, he just has to take care of the ball and play the field position game. Give the defense a break each possession. I've got OU 31-10.

[@Ty_Paul]

OU defense looked really good against Tennessee but I've watched OU football for years (not a fan) and one thing I notice is they're used to getting up for 1 game a year basically. Usually Texas. OU got up for the Tennessee game and I'm not completely convinced the defense will look like it did against Tennessee. Last year for example Texas is the only game they actually looked good in. Every game before and after that they looked pretty poor. OU before the Tennessee game the defense looked good but not great. They looked very good in the Tennessee game but will they revert back is the question.

[@OkieDokie_17]

@@Ty_Paul They have looked pretty good all year. Even if the revert back to how they've played against the non-con, that's pretty salty. I think I would rephrase your assertion that "they only get up for one game" as "they play to the level of competition." We've had so many games where everyone expects you to win and there's little or no excitement about. That makes it tough to get up for. I expect them to get up for every game this year from here on out. After such a run of success over the last 2 and a half decades, it's not surprising to me that complacency crept in. We'll see how it goes, but I think the level of urgency around the program is higher than it has been in a long time. This week will also be the first week they have consistency along the offensive line. I don't expect them to be good, but I do expect to see improvement from last week.

[@Ty_Paul]

@@OkieDokie_17 I mean yea you can say that but quite frankly in the big 12 Texas was the only team they really had to get up for. The defense has improved this year but they still weren't even top 25 through the 3 cupcake games so I guess that's considered salty compared to their old defenses but compared to elite defenses it's just okay. I guess what I'm saying is going into Jordan-Hare with an atrocious offense and not quite a top 25 defense could be dangerous no matter how bad Auburn has looked as well.

[@MrMgage13]

@@Ty_Paul im hearing that ou has a top 10 defense so where are you getting they arent even top 25?

[@Ty_Paul]

@@MrMgage13 The official defense rankings has them at 28. I believe they were at 27 before Tennessee

[@joelledbetter2926]

Um even if OU beats auburn by 50 there will be no sign of relief over here ...no both programs are not anywhere near ok

[@Mcyoloswaggy69]

The vibes around OU are not near as down as some national types think. True freshman on the round is certainly an unknown, but we feel good. I think OU gets the win here. 27-10

[@shuvlhd78]

True freshman panic after first read and scramble out of the pocket, take sacks, throw the ball away. Oklahoma by 10

[@jammerlr7780]

Pate seems to be ignoring just how good OU’s defense is this year.

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

Hey!!! You got it right this time Oklahoma was a disaster at QB! Until Hawkins came in and out gained UT and Nico and out scored UT in the second half.

[@soonertee]

Avid OU fan here. Those stats accrued during mostly garbage time. In the third quarter when Tennessee was still trying to stop us, they did. In the 4th, they were in prevent defense playing soft corners instead of fronting and pushing our receivers around. I'm glad for the change. I've wanted it from halftime of our first game.

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

@@soonertee go watch Teddy and Gabe on the Oklahoma breakdown. UT’s STARTING defense was in the entire game. Quit listening to UT fans that don’t know their own team.

[@glennk5434]

@@ThisIsLeeBird You are spot on!

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

@@glennk5434 👍👍 people keep thinking it was garbage time because Josh changed the game plan. And I’ll admit he did an awesome job with that. Because he knew at any second with a pass, OU’s defense is able to pull that thing down and flip the game instantly.

[@TimStJohn-xp8rv]

@@ThisIsLeeBird 100%

[@TeeBoomer1988.]

31-9 OU

[@terrycollins9744]

Oklahoma won’t win a single SEC game this year

[@TeeBoomer1988.]

@@terrycollins9744 stop that 🧢

[@terrycollins9744]

@@TeeBoomer1988. Sorry but that’s the reality y’all facing

[@craigmorris3055]

@@terrycollins9744 and you need to lay off the drugs.

[@cleanclippingslawnservice7128]

@@terrycollins9744save this

[@Itsme-wp8yc]

The vibes aren’t good down here in Auburn. At this rate I don’t think we make it to 5 wins. If we can’t beat Cal or Arkansas at home, we are COOKED lol

[@slappinsteve3852]

Arkansas doesn’t look like a bad team this year to be honest with you.

[@MetalSquatch]

I'm an Oklahoma born Auburn fan, I'm traveling all the way down to Alabama for this game. Auburn better win this freakin game or I'm gonna be really, REALLY sad

[@Libzarsupergae]

It's a good thing that you don't care and don't know what my gut says on this one. 😂 But seriously, last night I put $500 on Oklahoma to cover, it's been 6 years since I've bet more than $100, on any game. That oklahoma defense is 100% legit and seem to be getting better by the week. That being said, their offense is a huge ? right now but I went back and watched their 2nd half vs tennessee after having watched the first half live. They were hopeless with arnold but not with hawkins. Still going to have MAJOR issues but they will score some points and it won't take many with that defense. Sooners cover by a touchdown +, imo.

[@glennk5434]

its always darkest before the dawn!

[@montecarlo4294]

When is it gonna be basketball season? This is just dreadful and I am not sure if Freeze can truly get us back to what we once were. I've heard how we were "due for a 2010/2013 kind of season". Well, that kind of thinking is folly and besides, the game isn't what it was back then. We aren't going to see one of those magical years on the Plains again in this lifetime. At this point, I'd be happy to see us get back to what were were from 2014-2019. At least there was a 9 win and 10 win season sprinkled in amongst all the so-so 8 win years

[@vinnythewebsurfer]

Must be nice at least for Venebles to not be the most unlikeable coach in the stadium.

[@brianhaynes9972]

It's not even close. Not comparable

[@MrMgage13]

what are you saying exactly?

[@glennk5434]

WE love Venables!..Dude is bring Defense back to the SEC!!!

[@daltonmoore7889]

Oh by 25

[@GoatedAtNFS]

Auburn will choke just like 4th & 31 last year

[@Jaylewy1996]

Oklahoma wins 31-13

[@terrycollins9744]

Oklahoma won’t win a single SEC game this year except Auburn…. Possibly Auburn

[@MrMgage13]

@@terrycollins9744 k

[@terrycollins9744]

@@MrMgage13 You gonna cry this weekend

[@AccoIade]

@@terrycollins9744k

[@whotookmydanish]

OU defense is going to live in Auburns backfield

[@cletustrainer]

Bro, you're high. You're the best at this, but no way.

[@dirtyhiggins5484]

I wish both teams could lose

[@Libzarsupergae]

30-13 Sooners, Defense scores 20 of the 30 😂😂

[@mr.g1758]

I actually think Aub can pull it out. OU's wake up call to the SEC; get used to 8-4 seasons Sooners!!

[@craigmorris3055]

@mr.g1758 then you have no idea who Oklahoma is.. They are a true blue blood who will win titles.

[@mr.g1758]

@@craigmorris3055 I know who Tennessee is, and my Tide has beaten them 16 out of the last 17 yrs (only loss was last play winning fg in '22). Your first time with the Vols AT HOME showed that competition is MUCH different in the SEC than the Big XII. I understand, you are going through denial, but in time you will come to understand that you played in a cupcake conference for decades. Like I said...get ready for more 7-8 win seasons, and possibly a few losing ones. Auburn is going to play much harder than you imagine. See you in November Boomer.

[@PrenticeJones-fh2ew]

​@craigmorris3055 Blue Blood is a basketball term, lol (stick to a sport you know)

[@craigmorris3055]

@PrenticeJones-fh2ew lol really ummm obviously you know nothing.

[@MrMgage13]

k

[@fast-one3871]

OU’s offensive identity is the Bob Stoops legacy football program. He worked to make OU into Texas Tech for decades. He controls OU football. Want proof, the OC is a Stoopy, just like BV. That is how OU ended up with an OC that was last fired from North Texas but has Texas Tech experience. OU needs a non-Stoops selected coaching staff for success in the SEC.

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

Uhhh…. You realize Bob brought in Mike Leach from Kentucky right? Oklahoma made Mike Leach and the “Texas Tech Offense”. That’s what offense Josh runs now with his swag to it.

[@fast-one3871]

Why would any team want to be Texas Tech? Riley turned OU into Texas Tech, where did that get OU? Stoop's hires have kept OU from winning a NC for a quarter century.

[@glennk5434]

if texas tech has 14 conference titles in 28 years than yes you would be correct!

[@fast-one3871]

Stoops became OU's HC in 1998 that would be 26 years. He also won one title with half the roster being John Blake's recruits for the 1999 season. With his own coaches and teams since no NC's for OU. Isn't that what really counts?

[@blakemcclellan5748]

Boomer!!!!!!!!!

[@terrycollins9744]

Slacker!!!!

[@vinpin777]

Auburn is done for , Hugh freeze is an awful person. The recruits will start to flee when they realize the coach is a fraud

[@PrenticeJones-fh2ew]

Where do you get your logic? I hope not from a washed-up QB from MS.

[@Svulieutenant1]

Lifelong Sooner fan and alum here. I agree 100% - no offensive identity and I mostly direct that at the offensive line. They can't protect the QB to pass the ball which means they can't establish any kind of running game other than having the QB scramble for his life. Honestly, I don't think they can establish anything until having a healthy O-line.

[@JDUBB2399]

Arnold just hasn't played well, though. The o line played better against Tennessee than they did against Houston and Temple, and Tennessee has one of the best fronts in cfb. Arnold just makes too many mistakes, and when he was given a clean pocket against Tennessee, he'd blow it.

[@jammerlr7780]

The O-line hasn’t been nearly as bad as it has been made out. Plenty of plays where they did their job, opening up clear running lanes and JA was fixated on a pass!

[@JDUBB2399]

@@jammerlr7780 That's what I've been saying lmao

[@kobeneal4970]

OU 16 - AUB 13. Aub defense is more physical than tennesse

[@joelledbetter2926]

Ya a true freshman won us a natty one year not that we are doing anything like that but OU should win by double digits if not then we will be lucky to win 2 more games

[@Ken-no2sz]

Looking at Auburn they would have a hard time with Tulane right now Oklahoma wins by 10 or more.

[@russellpayne070]

This game reminds me of the 2012 LSU game. Auburn almost won but the defeat was devastating for the remainder of the season! The team nosedived after that loss! With that in mind my prediction is Auburn 27 Oklahoma 10

[@jackramey7797]

Any computer model is going to be way off in this game. Auburn's offensive numbers are great if you don't look at turn overs and TD. I think this is scewing things. Don't forget Auburn dropped 73 week one vs Alabama A&M to pad those stats. Auburn's turnover ratio is -10, worst in the country, and Oklahoma's is +7 one of the best in the country. Oklahoma played a top 10 team which is lowering some of their stats and Auburn has played weak teams to far. This is an easy over pick on Oklahoma. War Eagle.

[@wirerat]

There was 1 drive in vols OU game were vols offense ran 8 runs in a row. Stopped at the 1yd line. Then ran it in for TD. The other TD was off play action 60yd+ explosive. OU did play good red area defense the rest of the game.

[@BrittoneyNorton]

I'd have to take OU here but AU is never the team you wanna play on the Plains with their backs against the wall. I do believe a little too much credit is being give to Hawkins. He looks like their future with little doubt. However, Heupel's decision in the 3rd to avoid the big play, work additional players in, and alter the game plan to sit on the lead and shorten the game was a factor in his better than Arnold's numbers.

[@pw8416]

I don’t think OU is near as worried as Auburn

[@DarleneHettinger]

02390 Labadie Burgs

[@suzibillball]

I agree. OU ain't ranked right.

[@cleanclippingslawnservice7128]

Dawg auburn isn’t winning

[@cleanclippingslawnservice7128]

Thank you

[@taedouglas610s]

23-17 OU

[@dustinyoung7720]

We made OU look worse than they are on offense. We exploited the o-line with arguably the best/deepest d-line in cfb. Oklahoma wins by 2 scores. They are probably the 5th or 6th best team in the sec

[@cecilshaw207]

Josh, I tried msg you for a answer may not be the right answer. Listen MH beat AJ out in fall and spring camp, but do to the sooner nation there was no real QB competition, MH should of been starting all along. MH got cheated out of 3 starts and 1st team snaps at practice. That's a different game had MH start from go