The Auburn Tigers remain an underdog in their match with Oklahoma on Saturday night. When the betting sites adjust to Wednesday's injury report, Auburn Football vs. the Sooners could see a shift. Auburn will miss a few players in Norman. Oklahoma will be nearly missing an entire position group.
Oklahoma's quarterback John Mateer is a sensational player and a legit Heisman contender. Mateer may well be less than great against the Tigers because his offensive line is seriously depleted. Owen Hollenbeck has also dealt with injury, but is listed as probable for Saturday. Another backup center, Stanford transfer Jake Maikkula, is listed as questionable. Oklahoma's former starter at center, Troy Everett, is out for the season.
Auburn Football Voodoo in Norman?
A believer in voodoo could think Auburn Football's special dose of it works in Norman as well as it does in Jordan-Hare.
The Sooners have eight offensive linemen on the midweek injury report. Three are out and four are questionable, including the Sooners' top two left tackles. Providing perspective, the Stormin' In Norman site wrote, "There’s a possibility the Sooners could start three freshmen on the offensive line in their SEC opener."
The Sooners will be missing defensive players as well. One defensive back is out, and another one is doubtful. Starting defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. is questionable. The other defensive end starter for the Sooners, Mason Thomas, will miss the first half due to a targeting suspension.
Two days ago, in my SEC Football Week 4 predictions, I made the Sooner the pick of the week. The then spread of 6.5 points felt way too low. At midday on Thursday, the spread was holding, but my prediction for the Sooners to be a two-touchdown winner now looks faulty. Auburn, with voodoo on its side, can be a team that prospers in an underdog role, even outside of Jordan-Hare Stadium.
For the record, Auburn Football may miss a key player as well. Auburn wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. is listed as questionable. On Auburn's defense, cornerback starter Jay Crawford and rotational defensive end Amaris Williams are listed as doubtful. Backup cornerback Rayshawn Miller is listed as questionable.