About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma Sooners are looking for a bounceback performance this week when they hit the road to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs . Oklahoma is the road favorite , but it could face one of the nation's most talented players on Saturday afternoon.
Quarterback Kamario Taylor has been the engine driving the Bulldogs' offense. Without Taylor against LSU, the Bulldogs were shut out 31-0. But when he's available, he's one of the nation's most dynamic players.
The story of the game comes down to an offense that ranks last in the SEC in touchdowns scored in 2026 with 12. Five of those touchdowns were scored in the season-opening win against UTEP. Since then, the Sooners have scored two touchdowns in a game just once and haven't surpassed 14 points, both of which came against New Mexico.
This week offers a good opportunity to build the offense against a Bulldogs defense ranked 118th in the nation in scoring defense. If it's ever going to come together for Ben Arbuckle, John Mateer, and the offense, it's going to be this week.
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) jogs onto the field during warm ups prior to the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images The Oklahoma Sooners don't lose back-to-back games. They also don't win back-to-back games, but that's beside the point. All signs point to another win in Starkville this weekend. However, there's some optimism that Kamario Taylor will play. If you don't know who that is, you will. He might be the most talented player in all of college football. When he's at the helm, Mississippi State possesses one of the best offenses in college football. That's why, if he plays, I think the Bulldogs will get the win because I think he can score a few touchdowns. If he doesn't play, it'll be all Sooners.
If Kamario Taylor Plays - Mississippi State 17 , Oklahoma 16
If Kamario Taylor Doesn't Play - Oklahoma 24, Mississippi State 3
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images The injury report is as significant as ever for both teams in this matchup. But assuming Mississippi State is without starting quarterback Kamario Taylor and possibly running back Fluff Bothwell, I just don't know how the Bulldogs can put up enough points to beat Oklahoma. The Sooners' defense has been the one thing they can count on this season. And a backup Mississippi State Bulldog unit isn't going to get it done. Offensively for Oklahoma, there are some major question marks as well. The Sooners' offensive line is so banged up, it isn't clear yet who will play where. Still, Oklahoma is the better overall team.
Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) hands the ball off to running back Fluff Bothwell (24) during warm ups prior to the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images So much of this game boils down to whether or not Kamario Taylor and Fluff Bothwell will be able to play. With that duo fully healthy earlier in the year, State looked like a problem in the SEC. The Bulldogs aren't a strong defense, but you simply can't expect OU's offense to be able to score more than 13 points on anybody right now. MSU's offense is good enough to put a few drives together on the Oklahoma defense if the QB and RB play, and that's probably enough to get the job done for Mississippi State, unless the Sooners get touchdowns out of the special teams or defense on the road.
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) scrambles in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. We're going to operate under the belief that Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is going to play this week. Still, this is a Sooners defense playing at an incredibly high level. The defense will play well even if Taylor is under center.
But the question is how the offense responds after a poor final 15 minutes against Kentucky. I believe they respond in the right way, put a couple of touchdowns on the board, and play a clean game.
The Sooners might be the favorite in this one, but don't sleep on the Bulldogs to pull off the home upset for former Sooners offensive coordinator turned Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby.
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is is pictured during the= college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle is pictured during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) is pressured by Kentucky's Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) as he throws in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) reacts after tackling Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Elijah Barnes (0) and Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) scrambles in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) makes a diving catch in front of Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oklahoma's Michael Boganowski (25) tackles Kentucky's Jason Patterson (26) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oklahoma's Manny Choice (0) makes. catch as Kentucky's Hasaan Sykes (12) defends in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oklahoma's Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) looks to get by Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; The Sooner Schooner runs onto the field before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners punter Jacob Ulrich (87) throws an interception while attempting a fake field goal during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) greets offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch in front of Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 18 Oklahoma updated game-by-game picks from ESPN Matchup Predictor Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 18 Oklahoma updated game-by-game picks from ESPN Matchup Predictor Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 18 Brent Venables finds positives after tough loss to Kentucky Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is is pictured during the= college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 3 / 18 Ben Arbuckle says Oklahoma Sooners need 'belief' in the red zone Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle is pictured during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 4 / 18 Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) is pressured by Kentucky's Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) as he throws in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 5 / 18 Jake Kreul breaks out with monster game against Kentucky Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) reacts after tackling Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 6 / 18 Brent Venables praises the fight of the offensive line after loss Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Elijah Barnes (0) and Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 7 / 18 Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 8 / 18 Sooners Wire Staff Predictions for Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) scrambles in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 9 / 18 Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) makes a diving catch in front of Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 10 / 18 Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky Oklahoma's Michael Boganowski (25) tackles Kentucky's Jason Patterson (26) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 11 / 18 Manny Choice vows the Sooners 'will be better' after loss to Kentucky Oklahoma's Manny Choice (0) makes. catch as Kentucky's Hasaan Sykes (12) defends in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 12 / 18 Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky Oklahoma's Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) looks to get by Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 13 / 18 Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; The Sooner Schooner runs onto the field before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 14 / 18 Sooners Wire Staff Predictions for Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 15 / 18 'Wouldn't change it': Brent Venables on Oklahoma's fake field goal Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners punter Jacob Ulrich (87) throws an interception while attempting a fake field goal during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 16 / 18 Ben Arbuckle expresses frustration with Oklahoma's red zone offense Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) greets offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 17 / 18 How many years of eligibility does each OU player have remaining? Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch in front of Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 18 / 18 Brent Venables saw offensive improvement despite Kentucky loss Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images (Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams .
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions for Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State
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