Auburn vs Oklahoma Prediction: Can Jackson Arnold Get Revenge on the Sooners?

Auburn started 3-0, kicking it all off with a great win at Baylor with a great performance by transfer Jackson Arnold. Supposedly the next great Oklahoma quarterback, Arnold didn’t have a whole lot of luck - the Sooners had a massive injury problem last year at wide receiver - and now he’s with the Tigers.

On the other side, new OU starter John Mateer has been Heisman-worthy over his first three games. But the pressure is really on - he and his Sooners can’t lose to Arnold’s Tigers with Texas up next on the SEC schedule in a few weeks.

Auburn gets a trip to Texas A&M next week, followed by a date with Georgia.

Auburn vs Oklahoma How To Watch

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
@PeteFiutak

Why Auburn Will Win

The Tigers have a nice combination of things happening.

The offense hasn't been consistent, but the running game has been solid, averaging close to six yards per carry, and Arnold has been terrific. He has yet to throw a pick, he's running enough to matter, and he's connecting on 70% of his throws.

On the other side, the pass rush is there to bother Mateer. The Tigers didn't get much in the backfield last week against South Alabama, but it should be stronger against an Oklahoma offensive line that's been just okay.

There isn't enough of a Sooner running game - Jadyn Ott, where are you? - and the line is allowing too many plays in the backfield. But ...

Why Oklahoma Will Win

Mateer is playing like his baller self.

No, he hasn't been good enough to be the Heisman front-runner like everyone has made him - it's the hair - but he's making big plays happen down the field, he's running well enough to overcome a mediocre run so far by the backfield, and now his receivers are about to eat.

The Auburn defense did a great job against South Alabama, but it was hit hard by Sawyer Robertson and a Baylor passing game that went off for big play after big play.

The Sooners are getting production from several different spots in the passing game, and Mateer will spread it around just enough to keep the Tigers guessing. Yes, he'll be under pressure from the AU front, but that actually plays into his style, because ...

Jackson Arnold will be the story, but John Mateer will get the win

Arnold will be solid. He'll throw his first interception of the season, but he'll also take his game up a few notches in the revenge setting - even though this isn't any sort of a true bad blood game.

Mateer will run more this week. He carried it 19 times against Michigan, was saved against Temple with just seven carries, and this week, he'll take off early and often, to go along with a big performance through the air.

Auburn vs Oklahoma Prediction, Betting Lines

Oklahoma 27, Auburn 20
Line: Oklahoma -6.5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
Must See Rating: 4
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Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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