Oklahoma’s defense looks like Brent Venables wants it to look. Points allowed sit at 6.3 a game. Passing allowed sits at 84 yards. Rushing allowed sits under 100. They just handled Temple 42-3 and looked organized in every phase. This is the most complete start OU has seen in the last few years and it gives them a real chance to bank this win and move straight into the next big one on the schedule in two weeks. Auburn is coming off a 31- 15 win over South Alabama. Arnold completed 54 percent, added two scores, and ran enough to keep drives alive even with only 50 rushing yards. Cobb hammered out 119 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. That sums up what they do well. Auburn will bring a solid rushing offense of 242 yards a game into Norman on Saturday afternoon. That is the strength. They will try to control the clock and make Oklahoma tackle for four quarters. The stakes are obvious for both. Auburn wants to steal a road win and get out because the next two weeks bring Texas A&M on the road and then Georgia at home. This is no time to slip if they plan to contend in the SEC. Oklahoma has Texas, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, and LSU still on the slate. They cannot afford to drop one at home to a higher ranked Auburn right now. Norman feels like it is getting back to its old form with a full house and a tough environment every weekend. Matchup keys are simple. Can Oklahoma’s front choke off early down runs and force third and long. Can Auburn’s line create push against a defense that has been living in the right gaps and winning leverage. Field position and special teams help the side that settles first. This reads like a game where first quarter composure and red zone choices decide it. Oklahoma will make the big plays to determine the game when it is all over. The Sooners walk away with the win. The defense is setting the tone and the timing before Red River keeps attention tight.