OU begins a daunting three-game stretch to close the season when it takes on No. 24 Missouri on Saturday at Faurot Field (6:45 p.m., SEC Network).
But with No. 11 Alabama and No. 15 LSU looming to close the season, the renewal of an old Big 12/Big Eight rivalry figures to be the Sooners’ best chance of picking up another win and reaching bowl eligibility for the 26th consecutive season.
The game could hinge on who is available.
The Sooners (5-4, 1-4 SEC) are hopeful to get back a couple key wide receivers in the game, as both Jalil Farooq and Deion Burks are listed as questionable for the game.
Burks has been listed as questionable in initial injury reports for several weeks before being downgraded to doubtful and eventually out. He hasn’t played since the Sept. 21 loss to Tennessee.
Farooq has been listed as out since re-injuring his foot in the season opener against Temple.
Missouri (6-2, 2-2) listed quarterback Brady Cook as questionable after Cook left each of the Tigers‘ previous two games due to injuries. Offensive lineman Cayden Green, a former Sooner, is listed as probable.
Here’s a look at our staff predictions for the game:
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OU 27, Missouri 24
LIFTING THE BURDEN
With Brady Cook out for Missouri, Sooners’ defense slows down Luther Burden, breaks through for sixth win, bowl eligibility.
OU 17, Missouri 13
MIZ-WHEW
Sooners eek by the Tigers to get bowl eligible. Without Brady Cook, Missouri can’t answer Jovantae Barnes and OU running game.
OU 21, Missouri 20
SOONERS STRIKE
OU capitalizes on a chance to become bowl eligible with a win over Missouri, which has a banged-up quarterback in Brady Cook. Jovantae Barnes leads the way for the Sooners on the ground.
Missouri 21, OU 16
GUTTER BALL
OU’s hopes of making a bowl take major hit with loss at Mizzou. Sooners fall to 1-5 in SEC play.
OU 20, Missouri 16
SIX APPEAL
The Sooners’ bowl streak will hit 26 years as the Tigers’ offense yet again sputters with quarterback Brady Cook injured, gifting OU a perfect opportunity for win No. 6 as Alabama and LSU loom to close out the schedule.
MIZZOU ESCAPES
Missouri 27, OU 24
The Tigers’ offense led by Luther Burden and Theo Wease proves too much. This one will come down to Brady Cook, Deion Burks and Jalil Farooq’s statuses but I give Mizzou the edge at home.
Missouri 24, OU 20
OVER-COOKED
Even with Mizzou quarterback Brady Cook injured, the Sooners are unable to capitalize, squandering a late lead and likely ending their bowl streak.
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