How to watch Oklahoma vs. Missouri

Oklahoma’s final non-conference game allowed the Sooners to build some momentum heading into their final three games in the Southeastern Conference.

OU sent from Maine 59-14 on Saturday, dodging the rain and any serious injuries, which is the best a team can ask for when they go out to play FCS competition.

Run back Jovantae Barnes picked up where he left off at Oxfordrushing for 203 yards and three scores on 18 carries.

Barnes will be a big part of Oklahoma’s game plan this week as OU renews hostilities with old Big 8 foe Missouri on SEC Network on Saturday at 6:45 p.m.

Against Maine, Barnes became OU’s first rusher to surpass 100 yards this year, and receiver JJ Hester became the Sooners’ first pass catcher to surpass 100 yards through the air in 2024.

Hester successfully executed a scramble drill with quarterback Jackson Arnold to produce a 90-yard touchdown catch against Maine, and his big day came at the right time.

This weekend’s trip to Columbia will serve as a reunion for Hester as he began his college career at Missouri before moving to Oklahoma.

Another big day could see Arnold put in another strong performance in his second road start.

After getting into foul trouble against Ole Miss, Arnold completed 15 of 21 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns against Maine, while also rushing for 45 yards and another score on nine carries.

Defensively, OU recovered from a tough first drive for another strong performance.

Oklahoma held the Black Bears to 251 yards, and the Sooners ended their turnover drought defensively.

Hester forced the lone takedown against Ole Miss, meaning the defense itself hadn’t given the ball back to the offense since intercepting Quinn Ewers in the Cotton Bowl.

Safety Robert Spears-Jennings changed that with a forced fumble in the third quarter, and true freshman Reggie Powers had an interception in the fourth quarter until he was called back for a penalty elsewhere in the game.

Hester won’t be the only face who has friends in both dressing rooms on Saturday.

Missouri wide receiver Theo Wease started his career at Oklahoma, as did offensive lineman Cayden Green.

Wease is in his second season with the Tigers and Green is in his first year with Columbia after his controversial transfer last season.

Missouri is hoping to get quarterback Brady Cook back for the game against the Sooners, or the Tigers will be forced to turn to Drew Pyne again to try to help move the ball.

Despite sitting out a bye last week, the Tigers fell out of the AP Top 25. Their last appearance was a 34-0 loss to No. 11 Alabama.

A win for OU would be its sixth of the season, making Sooners Bowl eligibility after a disastrous start to life in the SEC.