As another NCAAF game day approaches us, the focus returns to the Oklahoma Sooners (3-1) as they take on the Auburn Tigers (2-2) in an important Week 5 clash. Two sides with so many contrasting early season records are ready to clash this coming Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, which could be a defining game for either side. It is a lovely treat for fans and consists of killer strategies and skills. It is ideal for anyone wanting to soak in every NCAAF game day insights.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Auburn Tigers 9/28/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, September 28 at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Jordan-Hare Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Oklahoma Sooners (3-1) vs. Auburn Tigers (2-2)
The Sooners have been mentally tough and tactically shrewd throughout the season’s first month. Despite the recent setback of losing to Tennessee 15-25, they have had good results. The convincing win against Tulane (34-19) combined a disciplined defensive strategy and another emerging offensive team, indicative of a team settling down. In particular, their running back, Jovantae Barnes, has run for 138 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground, thus proving important. Receiving specialist Jaquaize Pettaway remains a valuable piece of the Oklahoma offensive puzzle, recording 116 yards and three touchdown catches.
Auburn Tigers, who began the season slowly, currently stand at 2-2 and are trying to patch things up and make a surge at this stage. Their latest loss at 14-24 against Arizona went ahead and revealed some gap in that defense they had, but upending New Mexico by 45-19 showcased their explosion. Auburn’s tailback Jarquez Hunter is quite a menace as he has two touchdowns and 340 rushing yards, almost 50% of which have come with an extraordinary 7.1 yards per carry. The wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith has been terrific, making 12 catches for 338 yards and 5 touchdowns, out of which most were verticals for them.
Jackson Arnold QB vs. Payton Thorne QB
The season for Jackson Arnold thus far has been characterized by both highs and lows, given the stats of 538 Passing yards, seven touchdown passes and three interceptions, an admission that he has been learning under pressure. It will always be important to show that he can execute long drives as well, given the 47-yard long pass. But the 10 sacks taken are indicative of some protection problems in the Sooner offensive line that must be solved, in order to make Arnold more effective and confident.
On the other hand, Payton Thorne has also performed well for Auburn by passing for seven hundred yards and seven touchdown passes just like Arnold but more efficiently in his passer rating was an astonishing 159.9. Thorne’s deep throws, including a 70-yard bomb, emphasize his strength and risk-taking attitude, however, this was risky too – with his five-int interception ratio – perhaps possibly a bet that does not always serve in his favor.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Oklahoma Sooners -2.5 (-110), Total Odds: 55.5
The betting odds favor the Oklahoma Sooners slightly, but the close spread indicates a potentially tight contest. With both teams showing tendencies to hit the over in scoring, particularly Oklahoma in their Week 5 history, bettors might lean towards expecting a high-scoring affair.
Oklahoma Sooners Betting Trends
The Sooners have been formidable in September, winning 7 of their last 8 games during this month. However, their struggles on the road (2-5 ATS in their last 7 games) and against SEC opponents (1-4 SU in last 5 games) present areas of concern that could influence betting strategies.
Auburn Tigers Betting Trends
Auburn has shown prowess against SEC opponents, going 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against them. However, their overall inconsistency this season, reflected in their home and September game records (3-6 SU at home, 1-4 SU in September), poses questions about their reliability as underdogs in this matchup.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Auburn Tigers 9/28/24 Betting Picks
After taking into consideration their current form along with their historical performances, the Oklahoma Sooners are tipped to wriggle past Auburn owing to their relatively constant performances and more balanced attack strategies. Placing a wager on Oklahoma walking away with the spread looks to be a good idea, with the total more than averaging the set 55.5 points owing to what both teams can do offensively.
However, for those interested in prop bets, individual statistics such as Thorne’s passing yards or Arnold’s touchdown passes may offer opportunities for specialized betting. The nature of the game being competitive along with the talents involved offers a great opportunity for Premium top picks that could swing the odds for more daring gamblers.