Rick Neuheisel predicts winner of Week 9 game between Oklahoma and Ole Miss
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Oklahoma and Ole Miss are set to be protected rivals through at least. It’s a decision from the SEC that Lane Kiffin has made clear that he’s not a fan of. In any event, the Rebels and Sooners are set to meet in Week 9 in Norman for just the third all-time game between the two programs.
Both teams enter Week 9 at 6-1. Ole Miss is 3-1 in the SEC and Oklahoma is 2-1, with the loser seeing their College Football Playoff hopes take a hit. The Sooners, despite John Mateer’s hand still healing will also look to improve to 10-1 against ranked teams at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
CBS Sports analyst Rick Neuheisel on Tuesday offered his prediction for the contest.
“Nothing not to love about Trinidad Chambliss and that story, the youngster from Ferris State making a big name in the SEC,” Neuheisel said. “But this Oklahoma defense is the real deal. … I also believe that Mateer, now, in his third week back, is going to be a new guy.”
In Oklahoma’s Week 8 win over South Carolina, a still-limited Mateer was 18-of-26 for 150 yards, running just 8 times for 14 yards. Defensively, the Sooners held the Gamecocks to only 224 yards of total offense, including 54 yards rushing. They also sacked LaNorris Sellers six times.
Oklahoma’s 9.4 points allowed per game is second in the country. The nation’s No. 1 team in total defense, the Sooners are No. 3 against the run (80.4 ypg) and fourth against the pass (132.6 ypg).
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
