The No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners will host the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday and will be fighting for their lives in both the Big 12 and National Championship pictures. After a shocking loss to Texas Tech two weeks ago, the Sooners can't afford another misstep.
Oklahoma bounced back in a big way against No. 14 Kansas State last week and picked up a 58-17 victory over the previously undefeated Wildcats. With No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama playing each other this week, the Sooners certainly still have hope that they can play for it all with one loss.
If a couple of plays had gone their way, the Aggies could very easily be 8-0 rather than 5-3. They have to play with the cards they were dealt, though, and will enter Saturday's game coming off a tough overtime loss to Missouri last week.
Both Oklahoma and Texas A&M have a tendency to lay an egg every once in a while, but I have to believe that both teams will be focused for this game. This must be especially true for the Sooners as every game is a must-win moving forward.
Where: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Okla.
When: Saturday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m.
Watch: ABC/ESPN2/ESPN3
Listen: KTKR 760 AM (Texas A&M) and KOKC AM 1520 (Oklahoma)
Betting Line: Oklahoma (-13.5)
Who Might Not Play for Texas A&M: DB Coryell Judie
Texas A&M senior cornerback Coryell Judie hasn't played since Week 7 and his status remains in doubt for Saturday's game against Oklahoma. Judie started 10 games for the Aggies last season and performed well enough to earn an All-Big 12 honorable mention nod.
His presence would certainly be missed against the Sooners' high-octane passing offense. Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones lit up Kansas State for five touchdowns last week and Judie would likely be responsible for covering his favorite target in wide receiver Ryan Broyles. Without Judie, it could be a long day for Texas A&M's secondary.
Who Might Not Play for Oklahoma: DB Jamell Fleming
Oklahoma senior cornerback Jamell Fleming missed last week's game against Kansas State after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, and he is questionable to play against Texas A&M. Although news surrounding Fleming is encouraging, it remains to be seen if he will be rushed back into action.
The Sooners and Aggies seem likely to engage in a shootout, so Fleming will certainly be needed in order to slow down Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Fleming registered five interceptions last season and is a huge difference-maker because of his ball skills. If he can go, then the Sooners will likely let him play on Saturday.
Key Storyline: Will Oklahoma State Stay In National Championship Contention?
Things certainly looked bleak for the Sooners after their loss to Texas Tech, but following a win over Kansas State and a reassessment of the situation, the Sooners aren't out of it yet. One of LSU or Alabama will have to lose this weekend. Also, Oklahoma has a head-to-head matchup with No. 3 Oklahoma State in a few weeks.
There could also be losses on Stanford's schedule as it still has to contend with Oregon and Notre Dame. Finally, while Boise State may go undefeated, Oklahoma may get the nod in the polls ultimately. With everything seemingly in Oklahoma's favor, all it may need to do is win out, and that is why a date with Texas A&M is so important on Saturday.
BCS/Top 25 Implications
Every game that the Sooners play from here on out will have major implications on the BCS picture. Oklahoma is currently ranked No. 6, but all of the teams ahead them have the potential to lose upcoming games. Because of that, every win makes it more and more likely that the Sooners will be back in the hunt.
Texas A&M was in the polls as of last week, but a blown game against Mizzou has them on the outside looking in. It is difficult to find another three-loss team in the country with as much talent and potential as the Aggies, but an inability to close out games late has hurt them. A win over Oklahoma would go a long way in restoring their credibility, however.
What They're Saying
Despite a shocking loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders a couple weeks ago, the Oklahoma Sooners believe they are still alive when it comes to playing for the National Championship. The Sooners bounced back in a big way by destroying Kansas State last week and aren't out of it yet, according to Jake Trotter of ESPN.com's Sooner Nation.
"A loss doesn't have to dictate your whole season," said quarterback Landry Jones. "You've got to keep playing and see where you are at the end."
"Our goals haven't changed," said wideout Kenny Stills. "We didn't want to lose a game, but we still have the same goals. We want to win every game and see where it goes from there."
Texas A&M Player to Watch: QB Ryan Tannehill
Texas A&M has one of the most high-octane offenses in the country, and a big reason for that is quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Through eight games, Tannehill has been very impressive with 2,322 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air.
In addition to that, Tannehill has hurt teams with his legs as evidenced by his four rushing scores. As good as Oklahoma's defense is, it was beaten by Texas Tech as the Red Raiders spread the field and used a high-percentage passing game. The Aggies have that same potential and will almost certainly employ a similar game plan.
Oklahoma Player to Watch: WR Ryan Broyles
As good as Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones has been this season, he wouldn't be near the player he has been without wide receiver Ryan Broyles. He has unquestionably been Jones' go-to guy over the past two seasons and possesses game-breaking ability that few others can boast.
Broyles' numbers of 81 catches for 1,070 yards and 10 touchdowns through just eight games are incredible and a true testament to his skill level. The Aggies have struggled mightily on defense this season against strong offense teams, so Broyles should be in for yet another monster game on Saturday.
Key Matchup: Oklahoma Defense vs. Texas A&M's Spread Offense
The Sooners are allowing an average of just 19 points per game this season, but they simply haven't been as dominant defensively as most college football observers have grown accustomed to. That much was evident against Texas Tech as quarterback Seth Doege threw for 441 yards and four touchdowns.
Texas A&M's offense doesn't produce passing numbers quite that ridiculous, but quarterback Ryan Tannehill has certainly had some nice performances. Whatever it was that stifled the Sooners' defense two weeks ago, it will have to be corrected by Saturday, or else another upset could be in the cards.
Prediction
Oklahoma 45, Texas A&M 31
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