The Oklahoma Sooners take on the LSU Tigers on Saturday afternoon with an opportunity to earn a College Football Playoff berth. The Tigers won't go quietly into the night, bringing a strong defense to Norman and an offense with talented playmakers.
But the Sooners have been playing well as a team. They've had complementary wins over Tennessee, Alabama, and Missouri in November and hope to finish "Red November" on a high note.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Tigers have won two in a row over Arkansas and Western Kentucky with quarterback Michael Van Buren at the helm. But LSU scored just 13 points against the Hilltoppers last week, totalling just 328 yards, and turned the ball over twice in the win. Western Kentucky ranks 47th in the nation in points allowed per game and 89th in the nation in yards allowed per game. That bodes well for a Sooners' defense that's playing some of the best football in the nation.
Will Oklahoma get the win and keep their playoff hopes alive? Here are this week's Sooners Wire staff predictions.
Defense Does It Again
Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) and defensive lineman David Stone (0) combine to tackle Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Oklahoma defeated Alabama 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images'Win and in.' It's that simple for Oklahoma on Saturday. Coach Brent Venables and his team know the stakes against LSU. And as long as the Sooners' offense shows up, OU should make it to the College Football Playoff. No reason to think otherwise, especially with the game in Norman.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOklahoma 21, LSU 14
Eric Bolin, Sooners Wire Contributor
Need More from the Offense
Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Gracen Halton (56) reacts during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesLSU is loaded with talent, despite not having the season many in Baton Rouge thought was in store in 2025. They're in position to play spoiler this week in Norman, and the Sooners simply can't let that happen. This one feels almost guaranteed to be low-scoring, considering both teams have really good defenses and really inconsistent offenses. Oklahoma has been really good at not letting the big play beat them this year, and that will have to continue on Saturday. If the Sooners could just get a bit more from the offense, you'd feel good about this team, but things haven't looked smooth since John Mateer hurt his thumb. This is OU's last chance to impress the CFP committee, though they should be in regardless of whether they can just win. However, if they can get a decent lead early, they need to continue to turn up the heat, because it wouldn't hurt to get some style points if you can manage it.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOklahoma 17, LSU 13
Aaron Gelvin, Sooners Wire Contributor
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs for a first down during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.The Oklahoma Sooners' defense is the best unit on the field on Saturday. They've slowed down really good offenses, and LSU's isn't that. The Tigers average just 19 points per game on the season if you take away the 56 points they scored against Southeastern Louisiana earlier in the season.
LSU will be without its starting center and will be playing young backup quarterback Michael Van Buren. This is another great opportunity for the Sooners' defense to hold their opponent in check, even if the offense struggles.
Oklahoma will be without starting center Jake Maikkula, and Febechi Nwaiwu will be the starting center this week. Look for the Sooners to simplify the offense a little bit more and work the power run game with Nwaiwu at center and Ryan Fodje at guard.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOklahoma is the better team, and there's a playoff spot on the line. They've been playing well with their backs against the wall over the last month. That doesn't change this week.
Win and advance.
Oklahoma 23, LSU 6
John Williams, Sooners Wire Lead Writer
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma vs. LSU Tigers: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions
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