Oklahoma Football: 5 reasons the Sooners will beat Ohio State

5. The Sooners will avenge their 2016 loss

The Oklahoma Sooners started their schedule with a challenge in 2016 and ultimately, it was too hard to overcome.

They opened their schedule against then-ranked No. 15 Houston Cougars and it was a disaster. The Sooners lost that game 33-23 behind a stifling Houston defense responsible for five sacks, two forced fumbles and nine tackles for loss on the day.

The Cougars got the upset victory and the Sooners were off to an 0-1 start. A few weeks later, Oklahoma hosted the Ohio State Buckeyes in their first meeting since 1983.

Oklahoma made quarterback J.T. Barrett look like a star as he went 14-for-20 passing for 152 passing yards and four passing touchdowns on their way to an easy 45-24 victory. The Sooners defense also allowed 291 rushing yards.

The Buckeyes led 35-17 at halftime.

It didn’t help that Baker Mayfield threw two interceptions including a 68-yard return for a touchdown to put the Sooners in a 14-0 hole early against such a strong defense.

This season, the Oklahoma Sooners have the revenge factor on their side. Mayfield played a very uncharacteristic game and it hurt the team last season. They were on the outside looking in on last year’s College Football Playoff field and it left a mark.

It’s a road game for Oklahoma but they should be locked in for this week’s game against Oklahoma. They shouldn’t make too many mistakes this week, while the Buckeyes have a few improvements to make after struggling in Week One against Indiana.