Star & Staff Predictions | OU vs. Ohio State (UPDATED 2:56 pm)

We asked a few well-known sports figures and writers for their predictions on the upcoming matchup between Oklahoma and Ohio State. Here is what they said…

Jim Ross (WWE Announcer)

I still believe in Sooner Magic and Bob Stoops. It’s a true must win, as it relates to college football final four. We’re the home dogs, which everyone should take very personally. Fans need to BE LOUD or STAY HOME! I have have OU winning in a slobber knocker 35-32.

Uwe Von Schamann (Kicked game winning field goal vs tOSU in 1977)

I think the Sooners will be ready for this game and show up. I think the coaching staff will have them ready to play. Similar to big games, last year, against Baylor and Oklahoma State, Baker will have a big game. My final score is OU winning 28-24.

Ryan Broyles (2008-2011 OU WR. 2010 All American. TFB co-owner)

I think if we can play defense the way we have over the last six quarters, Ohio State could be in for a long day. I’ll take Oklahoma 24-21.

Ben Axelrod (Bleacher Report Big 10 lead writer)

I like Ohio State in this one. It might be too simplistic to say the Buckeyes will be able to do what Houston did against the Sooners until week 1, only with better players, but that is exactly how I see it playing out. Much like Deshaun Watson in last years Orange Bowl, I think J.T. Barret’s dual-threat nature will cause problems for the Oklahoma defense and I think a young, but talented, Ohio State secondary has what it takes to cause some trouble for Baker Mayfield.

It should be a close one throughout, but have the Buckeyes pulling away in this one late. Final score, Ohio State 33- Oklahoma 24

Dustin Fox (Buckeye DB on 2002 NC team. ESPN CFB Analyst)

I actually thought OU would win before the season started. However, I have been really impressed with Ohio State’s defense the last couple of weeks. I have a funny feeling OU wins by a last second FG, but it could go either way. Obviously, as an alum, I’m pulling for my Buckeyes to win, but man this is going to be a coin flip. With it being the first real test for the defense, against a legitimate QB, I’ll go Sooners 30, Ohio State 28.

TFB STAFF PREDICTIONS

Brandon Drumm

This one was hard. Part of me just didn’t want to predict OU because I’m superstitious. However, I just can’t get over how young the Buckeyes offensive line is and how dominant OU’s defensive line has been, so far. That is usually the game changer, outside of turnovers. So, I’ll say that OU pressures JT Barrett just enough to cause an extra turnover or two. OU wins this one 31-28 in one of the most exciting games played on Owen Field in years.

Andrew King (TFB Texas Recruiting Analyst)

I think it comes down to the wire but I’m going to give Ohio State’s skill guys a little advantage over OU’s DBs outside of Jordan Thomas. Also think this will be a coming out party for Ohio State’s DE, Sam Hubbard. Dude is a freak. I’ve got Ohio State winning 28-24.

Seth McKinzie

Picked OU 24-20 back in July. Don’t think I can hold to that. Sooners secondary is still a question mark. Will Walker and Romar play? Mayfield will make some nice plays. Perine and Mixon may not be effective enough as I think Buckeyes DL > Sooners OL. Ohio State 34, Sooners 20.

JY

I think this is going to leave fans scratching their heads asking where was this two weeks ago against Houston. I think the environment an the focus leading up to the game with make the difference. I think the secondary settles down and Baker takes what the defense gives him. I see the Sooners committing to the run game and showcasing  Joe Mixon along with Mark Andrews. I just can’t bet against Stoops and co at home in the biggest game since Texas Tech 2008 or Nebraska 2000. I think the new stadium will be electric. I’ve got the Sooners winning 38-27. Last time I had this feeling the Sooners beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. I was one of the few to pick the Sooners.

Alex King

Stoops and co. backs against the wall and with a loss their playoff chances are gone. Think Mike brings the heat Saturday. Watching Tulsa run the ball on tOSU’s defensive line in the first half was a little surprising and I think OU has success on the ground with Perine/Mixon. Riley sticks with the run game. Think the front seven is all over Barreyy and force turnovers. Big win for OU. Sooners win 31-21.

UPDATE (2:56 pm): Lane Johnson with a prediction: “The Sooners understand what is at stake and they have the talent and leadership to get the job done tonight. 28-24 OU”