The No. 22 Auburn Tigers are heading into what will be their toughest matchup of the season so far, taking on the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners on the road.

This is the Tigers' second road test of the year, but it is their conference-play opener.

Oklahoma also comes into this contest with a 3-0 record, picking up a 24-13 win over the Michigan Wolverines in Week 2. The Sooners are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, meaning the Tigers will have their work cut out for them.

What are three things Auburn must do to put itself in a succssful position against Oklahoma?

The offensive line needs to protect

Auburn has had no shortage of difficulties on its offensive line in recent seasons, but it cannot afford for that to be the case if it wants to have a chance to get the job done on Saturday.

Jackson Arnold will need a clean pocket, or room to use his legs if he decides to do so. Jeremiah Cobb, Damari Alston and the rest of Auburn's running backs will need as much space as possible to make an impact.

Head coach Hugh Freeze refered to Oklahoma's defense as one of the best he has seen during his time at Auburn and it will take a lot to have success against it. Anything the Tigers can accomplish on the offensive side of the ball will begin upfront.

Control John Mateer

The Sooners have a highly-skilled quarterback in junior John Mateer, who has gone 71-of-105 on passing attempts so far this season for 944 yards and five touchdowns, despite throwing three interceptions.

Mateer has shown he is not afraid to take off and use his legs when needed. He put this on display against Michigan, picking up 74 yards and two touchdowns.

Preventing John Mateer from taking over the game will go a long way towards improving Auburn's chances of getting the job done.

Keep up ball security trend

After turnovers plagued the Tigers last season, but they have been better at holding on to the football in 2025. Arnold has made it through three games without throwing an interception and Auburn has only lost one fumble so far this season.

This is something the Tigers need to continue in order to have their best shot at earning another road win.

Kickoff for Auburn's matchup against Oklahoma is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. ABC will carry the broadcast.