The stage is set for a showdown between undefeated team: No. 22 Auburn Tigers versus No. 11 Oklahoma at Memorial Stadium in Norman. Both teams come in at 3–0. Both coaches with plenty to prove. But there’s an extra layer of drama here. Jackson Arnold’s return to Norman. After transferring to AU earlier this year, Arnold now has the chance to ball out at the very place he left behind.

For Hugh Freeze, the focus is on his offensive line. “We got to protect, we got to run the ball, and this is one of the better defenses I’ve seen in my three years here. And that’s who we’re counting on. We’re counting on the experience of our O-line to be able to compete against that great defensive front.” That offensive line, loaded with veterans who’ve weathered their share of road tests, now takes center stage. Freeze is leaning heavily on their chemistry to anchor Auburn in a game where the win might come down to which team is controlling the trenches.

Oklahoma is a formidable opponent. The Sooners’ dismantling of Michigan showed a defense with teeth and an offense that plays complementary football. Brent Venables’ team is fast, physical, and opportunistic. For Jackson Arnold, that makes Saturday all the more intriguing. He knows Norman. He knows this defense. And they know him. It’s a chess match with plenty of history between the pieces.

ESPN analyst Adam Rittenberg framed Auburn’s blueprint succinctly: “The Tigers have to disrupt Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer and make him pay for running the ball, and they have the ingredients to do so. Auburn is tied for sixth nationally in sacks per game (3.67) and tied for 12th in tackles for loss per game (8.7). “The Tigers’ defense has been built on havoc plays, penetration, negative yards, and pressure. Against a mobile quarterback like Mateer, those numbers must translate from the box score to the field if Auburn wants to steal momentum in Norman.”

On the flip side, Rittenberg pointed to AU’s offense as equally vital. “The defense and run game, which ranks 16th nationally at 240 yards per game, ideally must reduce the pressure on quarterback Jackson Arnold in his highly anticipated return to Oklahoma. Jackson Arnold is completing nearly 70% of his passes, running the ball effectively and limiting mistakes, but the more Auburn’s other playmakers can take off his plate, the better the chances for a key road win.” That stat line paints the picture of a quarterback who is maturing quickly. He doesn’t need to be Superman on Saturday. He just needs to keep Auburn balanced and mistake-free.

Eli Lederman, meanwhile, gave Oklahoma the edge. “Arnold started nine games for the Sooners last fall. If anyone knows his weak spots, it’s Oklahoma coach Brent Venables.” He did add a reminder on Arnold’s growing efficiency at Auburn: “As Adam points out, Arnold (eight turnovers in 2024) has played efficient, mistake-free football in his first three games at Auburn.”

Venables’ familiarity with Arnold’s tendencies could tilt the chessboard, but Freeze has been adamant about reinforcing the QB’s support system. “A lot of what happened last year at Oklahoma is that everybody was hurt, his receivers and offensive line, and he didn’t have those people around him,” Freeze said. “He knows he’s not going to have to go into Oklahoma on Saturday and do it alone.”

Every Superman has its Kryptonite

And for Jackson Arnold, that could very well be Oklahoma’s relentless pass rush. As Eli Lederman pointed out, the OU’s defense is generating pressures on 44.6% of snaps this season. That kind of heat is designed to rattle even the most poised quarterbacks, and could make Arnold uncomfortable early on. Although Auburn might get a small reprieve with 2024 sack leader R. Mason Thomas sidelined for the first half due to a targeting ejection in Week 3.

Meanwhile, John Mateer faces his own uphill battle against Auburn’s veteran front. The Tigers’ defensive line is sturdy, disciplined, and unforgiving, though he may find openings against a secondary that ranks 85th in yards allowed per game (220.0). Ultimately, the ground game could decide the narrative. Auburn’s 10th-ranked rush defense, giving up just 67 yards per contest, meets a still-developing Oklahoma rushing attack.

If the Tigers can control the trenches, force tackles for loss, and keep Arnold clean in the pocket, Auburn could dictate the tempo. This can change what could have been a shootout into a controlled, methodical offensive showcase.