Oklahoma’s High-Powered Offense Faces Stingy Auburn D In Sugar Bowl

An irresistible force takes on an immovable object when the Oklahoma Sooners challenge the Auburn Tigers in the Sugar Bowl. Oklahoma has averaged the third-most points per game in the nation while Auburn has allowed the fifth-fewest.

Shark Bites
  • Auburn is 7-2 SU and ATS in its last 9 games.
  • Oklahoma is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games against teams with winning records.
  • The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Auburn's last 10 games against teams with winning records.

The Sooners shot themselves in the foot a bit when they scheduled the hardest non-conference slate in the country, but after a tough start they have been absurd offensively. Oklahoma has averaged 557 offensive yards and 44.7 points per game during conference play thanks to the combination of Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook.

Mayfield has produced one of the most efficient seasons in college football history, as the junior has completed 71.2 percent of his passes for 3669 yards with 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Mayfield’s favorite target has been Westbrook, who has accounted for 1311 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in nine conference games while recording two touchdowns on five occasions. 

Auburn’s defense has been a run-stopping force this season, allowing just one rushing touchdown in its past 11 games. The Tigers’ front seven features a stout group of run defenders, but the player for OU to watch is Carl Lawson. The junior is a pass rushing specialist with 13.0 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks and will get plenty of opportunities to pin his ears back and go at Mayfield.

Offensively, Auburn is primarily a running team with Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson combining for 1985 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. The key, though, will be the health of quarterback Sean White. White is not a world-beater by any stretch, but he can efficiently run the offense much better than backups Jeremy Johnson and John Franklin III. White has missed the past two games while dealing with a shoulder injury, but coach Gus Malzahn expects him to be able to play in the Sugar Bowl.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Odds makers at Sportsbook had the Oklahoma Sooners as -5.5-point favorites in the matchup, while the betting total had not been set at press time (check Sportsbook for the latest on the over under).

Odds Shark computer prediction formulas run early in the week pointed to a 42-40 win for the Sooners on Monday. And visit PredictionMachine.com for additional picks coverage. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.

Auburn Tigers vs Oklahoma Sooners Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Auburn Tigers will look to cover ATS vs their hosts on Monday, as they are 9-3 ATS versus the spread this season, while the Oklahoma Sooners are 6-6 ATS. Auburn is 4-8 against the over under total, while Oklahoma is 6-6 versus the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Oklahoma vs Auburn injuries news.

This game matches up the No. 10 (Oklahoma Sooners) and the No. 14 (Auburn Tigers) teams in the league, according to our current NCAA football Power Rankings at Odds Shark.

Statistical Matchup

The game also pits Oklahoma's No. 3-ranked offense, averaging 44.67 PPG, against a Auburn defense that ranks No. 5 this week at 15.58 PPG. The Oklahoma aerial game is averaging 319.83 yards per game, more than the Auburn Tigers secondary allows through the air, 223.58 YPG per game.

Defensively, the Auburn Tigers feature the league's No. 27-rated road run defense, allowing 136.5 yards per game. Oklahoma, meanwhile, ranks No. 16 in rushing offense at home.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

The Tigers suffered a Week 13 loss against Alabama in their last game, falling 30-12 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Betting Trends
  • Auburn is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
  • Auburn is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Auburn's last 5 games
  • Oklahoma is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
  • Oklahoma is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma's last 5 games
Auburn is 7-2 SU and ATS in its last 9 games.away Oklahoma is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games against teams with winning records.home The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Auburn's last 10 games against teams with winning records.away
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