Oklahoma heads into Saturday’s matchup with Georgia in Athens carrying a struggling offense but a defense that has quietly become one of the best in the country.
A year ago, quarterback John Mateer was an early Heisman Trophy contender and had reinvigorated the Sooners’ program. This season has looked far different. Oklahoma has scored just 24 total points over its past two games and needed to hold off New Mexico to escape Week 3 with a win.
Georgia, by contrast, has scored 178 points through three games, though those totals came against Tennessee State, Western Kentucky and Arkansas — far less demanding competition than what awaits against Oklahoma’s defense. Quarterback Gunner Stockton and the Bulldogs’ offense will be tested in a way they haven’t been yet this season.
Where Oklahoma has faltered with the ball, it has excelled without it. Under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners have built one of the nation’s elite defenses, allowing just 3.5 yards per play this season. Oklahoma has surrendered only 23 points combined against UTEP, Michigan and New Mexico.
Georgia presents a tougher challenge than those three opponents, but Oklahoma’s defensive success has been a sustained trend rather than a one-season anomaly.
A Grind-It-Out Approach
With Mateer struggling to find his rhythm and the Sooners’ defense playing at a high level, Oklahoma is expected to try to slow the game down and keep possessions limited, avoiding a track meet it is unlikely to win outright against Georgia’s offense.
Georgia has shown no reluctance to play a physical, grinding style itself, which could set up a defensive battle in Athens rather than a shootout.
Georgia remains the favorite to handle Oklahoma, but bettors and fans alike should not be surprised if defenses dominate Saturday’s contest and scoring stays limited throughout.
One notable betting angle circulating ahead of the game: the under on 44.5 total points, priced at -110 on FanDuel.
