The No. 22 Auburn Tigers have their conference play opener on Saturday, as they head up to Norman, Oklahoma for a matchup with the 11th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners, the first ranked matchup the Tigers have had since November 2021.
One aspect of Auburn's performance that will go a long way toward determining what kind of day it will end up having is how its secondary performs.
After holding Ball State to 71 yards through the air in Week 2, Auburn allowed South Alabama quarterback Bishop Davenport to record 170 passing yards. Additionally, the Tigers' secondary had multiple instances of missed coverages and did not have its best day overall.
Cornerback Raion Strader knows the level of play the secondary put on display against South Alabama was not where it needed to be, and he, along with the rest of the unit, is determined to clean it up against Oklahoma.
"That's really something we've been trying to uphold a lot," Strader said. "Keeping explosive plays down, containing quarterbacks, getting them off the game. That's something we hang our hat on heavily."
The Tigers will have their work cut out for them containing Oklahoma's passing attack.
Tight end Jaren Kanak has led the Sooners in recieving so far this season with 245 yards off 14 catches. Deion Burks is following closely with 225 yards and two touchdowns off 17 catches. Two other Oklahoma wide receivers, Keontez Lewis and Isaiah Sategna III, have crossed the 150-yard threshold.
"They're very explosive players," Strader said. "Good with the ball in their hands. We've just got to take it away, keep them at the line and take off time for the quarterback."
Strader is committed to helping the unit be the best it can be and has taken on a leadership role, despite being new to the team this season.
"Definitely settled, molded in with the defense," Strader said. "All the guys, they've welcomed me, We're really just coming together, really trying to build one of the greatest wins that's ever been here."
Kickoff between Auburn and Oklahoma is set for 2:30 p.m. and ABC will carry the broadcast.