Oklahoma Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Kansas State in Week 4

2. Sooners defense allows under 100 rushing yards

Sticking with the running game on these predictions, Oklahoma’s defense showed a ton of resistance against the run. Missouri State had a miserable day running the football with just 54 rushing yards on 24 attempts. Their leading rusher, Tarrell Roberts, had one carry for 26 yards.

Kansas State didn’t struggle nearly as bad as Missouri State, but they didn’t find many open lanes either. The Wildcats combined for 91 yards rushing on 39 carries to average 2.3 yards a carry. Those are unusual numbers for a team that averaged 178 rushing yards a game last season.

Kansas State running backs Deuce Vaughn and Harry Trotter did most of the work on the ground but never seemed to break out too many long runs. Quarterback Skylar Thompson only ran for seven yards against Arkansas State after being second on the team in rushing last season.

Missouri State isn’t on the level with other division one schools, but it is important to note that Oklahoma has nine returning starters to the defense. The Sooners have not been known for their defense, but the unit has seen improvements last season and this season.

Kansas State does not have the same offense they had last season and Oklahoma can take advantage of that. The Sooners’ front seven can show their true might with a shutdown performance against the run. Allowing less than 100 rushing yards would ensure a Sooners’ victory.