Oklahoma heads to Starkville on Saturday looking to bounce back from a home loss to Kentucky and steady a season that has slipped to 3-3.
The Sooners were in command for much of that game before their offense unraveled late. They’re also trying to manage a long list of injuries along the offensive line, while John Mateer’s turnover problems showed up again against the Wildcats.
Now comes another road test.
"We've got to get off the mat and got to go to Starkville," OU coach Brent Venables said. "It's a very unforgiving league."
The Sooners will meet Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in the first-ever matchup between the two schools. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, with the game airing on SEC Network. Oklahoma enters as a 3-point favorite, and the over/under is 45.5 points.
Mississippi State comes in at 4-2, and the biggest question hanging over this matchup is the health of quarterback Kamario Taylor. The sophomore has been one of the SEC’s most electric players when available, piling up 1,450 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and four interceptions before a foot injury slowed him in a win over Missouri and left him visibly hobbled against Alabama. He did not play in Saturday’s loss to LSU, so his status will drive the conversation all week.
If Taylor and lead back Fluff Bothwell are able to return, Jeff Lebby’s offense could start humming again. Lebby, who spent two seasons as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator from 2022-2023, is in Year 3 at Mississippi State and already has two SEC victories through four conference games, the most he’s had in league play during his time there.
There’s a clear path for the Bulldogs, too: get Taylor and Bothwell back, and let the offense do its thing. On defense, Mississippi State needs to make life miserable for Mateer, who has coughed up the ball nine times in six games.
Oklahoma’s route is a little more straightforward. The Sooners need their offensive line to start getting bodies back, and Venables said last week that star left tackle Michael Fasusi was close to returning. Getting him back would be a major lift.
From there, it comes down to the defense doing what it has done repeatedly. The Sooners were strong again against Kentucky, and if they can keep forcing turnovers, they’ll give themselves a real shot. Oklahoma would also benefit if Taylor is unavailable or limited.
In Other News...
Oklahomas Kentucky Loss Left One Brutal Question Fans Cant Ignore
Kentucky walked into Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and left with a 21-13 win, its fifth straight victory, while the Sooners were left to sort through another frustrating afternoon in SEC play. John Mateers three interceptions and five sacks told much of the story, as Kentucky repeatedly took advantage of Oklahoma mistakes and key moments to keep control of the game.
For Oklahoma, the loss dropped the Sooners to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the conference, a record that leaves little room for comfort as the schedule keeps tightening. The bigger issue now is not just the setback itself, but what it says about a team that keeps waiting for cleaner execution and a steadier answer at quarterback, even as the losses keep piling up. [Read more 🡒]
Brent Venables Sends Clear Message After Oklahomas Costly Loss
Brent Venables spent the aftermath of Oklahomas 21-13 loss to Kentucky making it clear he was not about to pin the setback on John Mateer alone. The Sooners quarterback threw three second-half interceptions, including a late pick that was returned for a touchdown, but Venables pointed to the broader picture as he defended Mateers performance and noted the progress he has seen in his play.
Venables also praised the offensive line for battling through injuries and explained some of the offensive decisions that shaped the game. With the loss still fresh, his message turned quickly to what comes next, stressing that Oklahoma has to answer the disappointment fast as it prepares for its next game. [Read more 🡒]
John Mateer's Rough Night Leaves Oklahoma Fans Debating What Cost Them Most
Oklahomas offense had enough moments to stay in the fight against Kentucky at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, but the turnovers kept getting in the way. John Mateer still moved the ball for 270 yards and a touchdown, and sophomore receiver Manny Choice was one of the more encouraging signs of the day with five catches for 98 yards.
The problem was the other side of Mateers night, with three interceptions hanging over a performance that never fully settled the Sooners attack. Freshman defensive end Jake Kreul also gave Oklahoma something to build on with multiple sacks and a disruptive showing, but the bigger question left behind was whether the loss was more about missed chances or the giveaways that swung the game the other way. [Read more 🡒]