After three weeks of taking on non-conference opponents to open the season, the No. 22 Auburn Tigers are ready to turn their attention to SEC play.
Auburn's first conference matchup of the year is a road trip to Norman, Oklahoma to take on the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners. Head coach Hugh Freeze is aware of the challenge Oklahoma will present for Auburn's offense.
“They’ve only given up one touchdown this year," Freeze said. "They’re very stingy, very physical. Obviously last year we had good experience against them. (Brent Venables) does a great job, and he’s got great players. When I watch the tape, I’m looking, to me, at a team that should be in the playoff discussions."
One of the top storylines ahead of this game is Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold's return to Oklahoma. Freeze is fully confident in Arnold's ability to block out the noise and focus on the task at hand.
Freeze gave Arnold advice from his experience returning to a place where he formerly coached.
"He’s very mature and he doesn’t give any credit to any noise or talk," Freeze said of Arnold. "He’s a pro. We all understand people might cheer for him, boo him, whatever it is. I think he’s mentally strong and is more about preparing. My advice to him is to just keep the focus on our team. That was my advice to myself. It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about our team preparing to go in to play."
Another challenge awaiting the Tigers in Norman is figuring out how to contain Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer.
Mateer provides a dual-threat skillset that is sure to keep Auburn guessing defensively.
“He (Mateer) is very talented," Freeze said. Runner, thrower, competitor, you can tell that team follows him, and he is their go-to guy in critical downs for whatever they need, and he has the ability to do it, and he’s got good skill around him."
Additionally, Freeze gave credit to Mateer's supporting cast, the rest of the Sooners' offense.
"Those receivers and the tight end are very talented, with a really good O-line and solid running backs," Freeze said. "Again, if you watch the tape, you think this team is one of the special ones and he’s the large reason.”
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT and ABC will carry the broadcast.