3 Oklahoma players who could pose serious threat to Kalen DeBoer's Alabama in Week 13
The No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide will try to win their fourth straight game Saturday when they face the Oklahoma Sooners in Week 13. The Tide hope to have to another impressive performance to boost their College Football Playoff hopes.
Alabama (8-2, 4-2 SEC) is coming off a dominant 52-7 win over the Mercer Bears (9-2, 6-1 Southern) in Week 12 on Nov. 16. The Sooners present a different challenge for DeBoer and the Tide this weekend.
In Week 11, Oklahoma lost 30-23 to the No. 23 Missouri Tigers (7-3, 3-3) and had an open week in Week 12. This has given the Sooners more time to regroup for their home matchup against the Crimson Tide.
Here are three players Oklahoma will have available who can be a threat to Alabama.
#1 Jackson Arnold, quarterback
Arnold's performance Saturday is crucial to his team's chances of defeating Alabama. He struggled against Missouri, completing 15 of 24 passes for just 74 yards.
He enters Week 13 with 131 completed passes for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Sooners quarterback also has 108 carries for 238 yards and three touchdowns.
Alabama's defense has struggled at times this season with dual-threat quarterbacks. Arnold has that ability, which could present issues for the Crimson Tide.
#2 Jovantae Barnes, running back
Oklahoma's running back is another offensive player who could be a key player for the team if he is available.
Barnes suffered an ankle injury in the Sooners' 59-14 win over the Maine Black Bears (5-6, 3-4 CAA) in Week 10. In the win, he had 18 carries for 203 yards and three touchdowns. The Sooners sat him out against Missouri.
Barnes has a total of 122 carries for 577 yards and five touchdowns for the season. Oklahoma has listed him as questionable for Week 13.
If Barnes is avaliable Saturday, he will have a big role in the Sooners' offense and could break off some explosive plays to take pressure off Arnold.
#3, Billy Bowman Jr., Safety
Bowman Jr. is the third player Alabama should be mindful of Saturday. He's not having the same success he had last season, but he is still an important player on Oklahoma's defense.
Bowman Jr. has 43 tackles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions for the season. Oklahoma will need Bowman Jr. to play his best game this season against Alabama to stifle Jalen Milroe and a high-powered offense.