Nov. 1—WHERE — Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
WHEN: Noon, Saturday
STREAMING/TV: ESPN+/SEC Network+
KEY STAT: 4-26, Maine’s all-time record against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents.
OUTLOOK: If there was ever a season for the Black Bears to take on the Sooners, it’s this one. Oklahoma is having a down year by its standards. The Sooners are 1-4 in their first season in the SEC, and enter this game with three consecutive losses. That said, this will be the most talented team the Black Bears face this season. “It’s a huge opportunity for our players. I’m just excited for them to get to play in that environment,” said Maine Coach Jordan Stevens. “I think the players will be fired up to play and go compete, and it will be a good day.”
In his weekly press conference, Oklahoma Coach Brent Venables said he’s not taking Maine for granted, citing the Black Bears’ roster full of veteran players. With three SEC games on deck after this one, against Missouri, Alabama, and LSU, the Sooners will use this game as a chance to reset themselves before the tough final stretch. Maine’s offensive line will have its hands full with the Sooners’ defensive front, particularly lineman Mason Thomas, who leads the team with six sacks. With running back Jaharie Martin banged up, Brian Santana-Fis has taken advantage of a larger role in the Black Bears’ offense, running for 145 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries over the last two games. Quarterback Carter Peevy is on pace for a 2,000-yard passing season, with 1,591 yards and 11 touchdown throws in eight games. Peevy’s 70% completion percentage is eight-best in the FCS. Montigo Moss leads Maine receivers with 42 catches for 441 yards and three touchdowns.
The Sooners have used a pair of quarterbacks, sophomore Jackson Arnold and freshman Michael Hawkins, Jr. Each is a dual threat. Arnold has played in six games with 945 yards passing and 148 yards rushing, with 10 touchdown passes and two on the ground. Hawkins has played in five games, with 476 yards passing, 113 rushing, and one touchdown through the air and one running. No matter who is under center, tight end Bauer Sharp has been a key target, with 32 catches for 242 yards and three touchdowns. Jovantae Barnes leads the Sooners’ running game with 374 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Injuries have left the Sooners shuffling things on the offensive line, using a different starting unit in seven of the eight games. Conversely, Maine used the same starting offensive line from tackle to tackle the last seven games.
OF NOTE: Maine is actually 1-0 all-time against SEC competition, with a 9-7 win at Mississippi State 20 years ago. … Oklahoma has a 48-game win streak against unranked nonnonference opponents. … Oklahoma is 9-0 all-time against FCS opponents. The Sooners’ most recent game against an FCS team was a 76-0 win over Western Carolina in 2021. … Before transferring to Maine this season, Black Bears quarterback Carter Peevy faced three SEC opponents while at Mercer. Last season Peevy threw for 138 yards and ran for 49 in a loss at Ole Miss.
Copy the Story Link
