"In the Weeds": Keys to Victory for OU Football vs. Mississippi State

Gabe Ikard and Teddy Lehman give the "Keys to Victory" for the Oklahoma Sooners against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on October 24, 2026.

OU's defense vs. Mississippi State's offense:
0:54 Sooners defense has to limit the explosive plays in the passing game to Anthony Evans III, Sanfrisco Magee, Marquis Johns and Zion Ragins
6:00 OU's defense must know where Anthony Evans III is on every snap of the game
8:43 OU's defense must be able to shut down MSU's run game with Fluff Bothwell and Kolin Wilson while playing a light box
14:20 OU's defense must contain Kamario Taylor (if he plays) or Billy Puckett and force them to play from the pocket
16:18 OU's edge rushers (Taylor Wein, Jake Kreul, PJ Adebawore & Danny Okoye) must win the battle against MSU offensive tackles Miles McVay and Jakheem Shumpert-Perkins

OU's offense vs. Mississippi State's defense:
21:34 OU's offensive line must identify what front MSU's defense is in and handle all of the DL movement and pressures well
24:34 John Mateer must take the layups that MSU's will be willing to give OU's offense- running back checkdowns and easy throws into the flat to tight ends and wide receivers
27:20 John Mateer and OU's offensive line must operate well and find success in empty formations
31:41 OU's pass catchers (Isaiah Sategna, Rocky Beers, Elijah Thomas & Manny Choice) must produce some yards after catch on easy throws in the middle of the field
35:42 OU's wide receivers must win in competitive catch situations against MSU corners Jett Jefferson and Kelley Jones