3-2-1 KICKOFF
Oklahoma hits the road this weekend for a game against Kansas at 11 a.m. Saturday. The Sooners (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) are still undefeated following a 52-31 win over TCU in Week 8, while the Jayhawks (1-5, 0-3 Big 12) are recovering from a 41-14 loss to Texas Tech. Here's a look at some key players to watch when the two teams face off.
3 key players
Quarterback Spencer Rattler: Aside from a two-point conversion attempt against Texas in Week 6, Rattler hasn't seen the field since being replaced by Caleb Williams. That could change on Saturday, though. OU has played multiple quarterbacks in five of its last six meetings with Kansas.
Offensive lineman Erik Swenson: OU's offensive line pieced together its best performance of the season against TCU thanks in part to Swenson. The redshirt senior moved from his usual spot at left tackle to right tackle and didn't miss a beat. Swenson helped the Sooners' run game average 6.6 yards per carry, and his versatility will be crucial once again on Saturday. Defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas: OU's defense didn't record a sack against TCU, which marks the first time that has happened since the team's 42-41 win over Iowa State on Nov. 9, 2019. Thomas is tied for a team-high 4.5 sacks per contest this season, and he'll be counted on to provide pressure against Kansas.
2 big questions Will Kennedy Brooks keep his 100-yard rushing streak alive? Brooks has start
ed in the Sooners' last two games and ran for at least 100 yards in both contests. The redshirt junior back averaged 185 rushing yards across the two outings, and he's poised to reach the century mark once again against Kansas. Will OU's defense finally get an interception? The Sooners' defense hasn't gotten an interception in the past 15 quarters. Its last interception came in the second quarter of the West Virginia game on Sept. 25, meaning the group is due for a pick or two.
1 wild prediction
Rattler will throw for more touchdowns than Williams. It's hard to imagine Williams will have to play much of the second half against Kansas, and that should pave the way for Rattler to get some playing time. The former starting quarterback took advantage of his two-point conversion opportunity against Texas in Week 6, and he'll likely get a chance to take advantage once again on Saturday.