Auburn and Oklahoma are getting ready for a high-stakes SEC showdown. Both teams have faced recent struggles. Auburn hasn’t had a winning season since 2020. While Oklahoma has had two losing campaigns in three years. But expectations remain high. Auburn HC Hugh Freeze said, “I truly believe that in the playoff run we’re going to be in this discussion because I love this team… it takes a little time to build it, and we’ve been doing that.” Saturday promises a battle in Norman, and this is where the availability reports for both teams become crucial.

The Tigers are scoring 37 PPG while allowing just 14. Despite that Brent Venables is confident and stated, “The expectations here and in the locker room are to win at the very highest level and to compete for a championship… You choose to come to Oklahoma to coach or to play on the biggest stage, in the biggest games.”

On September 19, Auburn insider Justin Hokanson dropped the latest availability report for both teams, and the difference is striking. Auburn’s list was light, with just three players. But Oklahoma is dealing with a host of injuries, including five starters already ruled out. And among the absences: DB Jeremiah Newcombe is confirmed out. Following that, the offensive line is hit hard, with Troy Everett, Jacob Sexton, and Jake Taylor all sidelined. Even the defensive line takes a hit, as Mason Thomas is out for the first half. Their depth will be tested. Still, some hope remains for the offensive line.

Yes, the Sooners got some positive news on Thursday. Offensive linemen Michael Fausi, Jake Maikkula, and Febechi Nwaiwu were all upgraded to probable. Among them, freshman Fausi has already made a huge impact. The five-star player has seamlessly integrated into the starting lineup. In fact, he’s flashed the talent of a future all-conference star and was a key reason Oklahoma dominated Michigan. WR Zion Kearney is also probable. But the concerns for the Sooners aren’t gone yet.

Wide receiver Javonnie Gibson and defensive back Eli Bowen are both listed as doubtful. Their availability could be a key factor in how the Sooners handle a high-powered Tigers team. Auburn isn’t fully healthy either. Defensive end Amaris Williams and cornerback Jay Crawford are both questionable. RB Durell Robinson, who stepped in as a backup starter, is confirmed out. These absences could shake up the Tigers’ game plan and open opportunities for the Sooners. But despite Oklahoma’s injury cloud, who’s getting the nod from the experts?

Who comes out on top: Auburn or Oklahoma?

Both teams are at 3-0 for the season. Auburn is fresh off a 31-15 win over South Alabama, while Oklahoma crushed Temple 42-3. But the Tigers have struggled on the road recently, going 2-3 since last season, while the Sooners have thrived at home, winning 7 of 9 since 2024.

Oklahoma’s offense is firing on all cylinders, led by junior QB John Mateer. The Washington State transfer has thrown for 944 yards and 5 TD. His top weapon is tight end Jaren Kanak, who leads the team with 245 receiving yards in just three games. Interestingly, it was more than half of what OU tight ends totaled all of last year. Mateer and Kanak are a dynamic duo the Tigers will have to contain. But Auburn isn’t backing down.

Junior QB Jackson Arnold, a former Oklahoma player, has already thrown for 501 yards and 4 TDs. On top of that, the Tigers’ ground game is led by Jeremiah Cobb, who averages 6.8 yards per carry and has four rushing TDs this season. FanDuel has Oklahoma favored by 6.5 points, with a total of 46.5. Still, predictions are one thing. The outcome won’t be known until the game is played. Oklahoma leads the series 3-0, including a tight 27-21 win last year. Now, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET, Auburn has a chance to get revenge in Norman.

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