Oklahoma-Kansas: AllSooners Staff Picks

The AllSooners staff presents their predictions for Saturday's Oklahoma game at Kansas.

John Hoover

This is shaping up to be a sneaky good matchup. Oklahoma's resurgent defense against Kansas' underrated offense could provide some real fireworks. Two years ago in Lawrence, Lance Leipold's KU bunch had Lincoln Riley's OU squad by the throat, down 10-0, before Caleb Williams saved the day. Last year was a double-digit game from the second quarter on, but OU still needed 52 points to win by 10. The Sooners are coming off their worst performance of the year so far, a 31-29 victory over UCF, and will need to be much better to win in their final league game in Lawrence.

Oklahoma 37, Kansas 28

Ryan Chapman 

Oklahoma’s resurgent defense will take on Kansas’ high-powered offense in a battle of strength vs. strength. The Jayhawks running game is one of the best in the country, and the Sooners have been excellent defending the run seven games into the season. Cold and potentially rainy weather conditions will magnify the importance of each team’s ground attack, which could be cause for concern as OU has struggled to put together a consistent four quarter effort out of the backfield throughout Big 12 play. But the biggest difference in the game will come at the most important position. While Jason Bean has improved throughout his career and filled in admirably for Kansas starting quarterback Jalon Daniels, Dillon Gabriel is a different class of quarterback. If the Sooners’ veteran leader can hit the shots downfield that are available against Kansas’ defense, OU will be able to notch its 19th-straight double digit win over the Jayhawks, setting up a massive Bedlam tilt in Stillwater next week.

Final: Oklahoma 31, Kansas 20

Ross Lovelace

It’s going to be a cold, rainy ball game and the Sooners are going to have to find a way to get things going on the ground. Gavin Sawchuk’s fourth quarter against UCF is something to build on, but Oklahoma still has to be better. Kansas is a sneaky football team and losses to Oklahoma State and Texas shouldn’t fool anyone. This is absolutely a game that the Jayhawks are capable of winning and the Sooners will trip up if they’re not laser focused. This feels like a game where Jeff Lebby will rely on Dillon Gabriel’s dual threat abilities and trust his quarterback to run the ball in the poor weather. I think the Sooners will win, but it’s going to be a battle.

Final: Oklahoma 27, Kansas 17

Randall Sweet

This year's Jayhawks team is not like many that Oklahoma has faced over the past two decades. Even with backup quarterback Jason Bean under center, Kansas still has a dangerous offense that could easily expose the Sooners' defense if OU makes some of the same mental mistakes that resulted in big plays against UCF. When the Jayhawks met Oklahoma State a few weeks ago, Bean put up 410 passing yards and five touchdowns in a 39-32 loss to the Cowboys. While Kansas' defense shouldn't provide much resistance for an Oklahoma offense that should get Tawee Walker back in the lineup this week, Bean and company will likely be able to keep the game somewhat competitive.

Final: Oklahoma 41, Kansas 34

Tim Willert

Oklahoma was challenged by its last opponent and figures to be challenged again Saturday in Lawrence, where another underdog with an explosive offense awaits the Sooners. The come-from-behind victory over Central Florida has motivated coach Brent Venables' team to play better against Kansas, which is once again without its starting quarterback. Look for the weather, cold and damp is on tap, to slow both offenses. Still, OU plays better defense and will force turnovers, something they didn't do for the first time this season against UCF. Sooners run their winning streak to eight games.

Final: Oklahoma 24, Kansas 10