Hugh Freeze will have his hands full on Saturday as he tries to guide an injury-struck Auburn to victory over Oklahoma. Both teams have opened the season with 3-0 streaks, and now each looks to extend it to four. But more than that, the main narrative is the QB battle. Jackson Arnold will face the team that moved him for John Mateer. The decision has worked well for both QBs so far, but the Oklahoma transfer gets an opportunity to show that he wasn’t the main reason why Oklahoma was bad last year. On the other side is a defense that didn’t give Bryce Underwood an inch in Week 2. Repeat of the same?

Analysts Greg McElroy and Cole Cubelic shared their thoughts about the game on the McElroy and Cubelic Podcast. During the discussion, McElroy voiced concerns about Auburn’s right tackle, Mason Murphy. “R. Mason Thomas against Mason Murphy is not a good matchup for the Tigers. They’re going to have to help him out with chips, blocks, tight ends, and things like that.” Hugh Freeze must now devise solutions to strengthen the offensive line.

Auburn faces more than offensive line problems; it must handle Oklahoma’s aggressive play style. But Cubelic doesn’t want the Sooners to go aggressive. “If I were Oklahoma, in all seriousness, like I know you are who you are, and you want to be aggressive. Why would you be aggressive in this game?” asked Cubelic. “If I’m rushing the passer, I don’t want to rush the passer that hard. I want to go up and inside. I want to condense and dent the pocket, and I want to make Jackson Arnold flush out sideways where my linebackers, who are really athletic, can close and make the play,” added Cubelic.

Contrary to his Oklahoma days, Arnold has looked good for the Tigers. The QB has left the turnover problem at his previous program. In three games so far, he is yet to throw an interception. There were two fumbles, but fortunately, both were recovered by the Tigers. With a nearly 70% completion rate, Arnold has thrown for over 500 yards and four TDs. Add to that another 192 yards on the ground and four more scores. Having said that, there are things that he’d like to improve.

Jackson Arnold has been sacked six times this season. Moreover, he doesn’t look comfortable when throwing it downfield. As a result, chunk plays have been a scarcity. If Oklahoma does what Cubelic is asking them to do, sideway passes can limit Arnold’s strengths. Michigan tried screen passes with Bryce Underwood, but they rarely went for any gain.

On top of that, the Tigers may be missing key players. However, Oklahoma also struggles with the same problem, losing key players like Isaiah Dent and Marvin Jones Jr. This matchup could go either way. If Auburn attacks Oklahoma’s defense, it can win.

“I think that’s an area where if they can neutralize Oklahoma and make them one-dimensional with their front four, it will help them in the back end, where I think they’re going to have their hands full,” said McElroy. “Auburn must take advantage of movement in the run game. They got to catch them. You’ve got to understand and have awareness when you’re blocking it,” added Cubelric.

Injury-induced Auburn breathes a sigh of relief

Going into this matchup, Auburn had acquired quite an injury list. But Thursday brought some good news for the fans. Several key players who were questionable for the game earlier in the week were marked as probable. That includes wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., defensive back Champ Anthony, cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant and offensive tackle Izavion Miller.

Cornerback Jay Crawford, a key piece in the backfield, remains doubtful for the game, while DL Amaris Williams is questionable. Running back Durrell Robinson remains out. Brent Venables was also facing similar issues. However, just like Auburn, Oklahoma also had positive injury news. Cornerback Gentry Williams will feature in the game.