Auburn and Oklahoma meet Saturday in a game that feels like a tone-setter for both programs. Hugh Freeze has talked all week about the challenge Brent Venables’ defense presents, and Auburn’s defense has its own test trying to contain quarterback John Mateer in Ben Arbuckle’s scheme. Here’s where this one will be decided.

How Hugh Freeze Might Attack Venables’ Defense

Venables’ unit has been downright stingy. Through three weeks, Oklahoma is giving up just 181 yards per game, fourth best in the country, and only 6.3 points per game, also fourth nationally. They’ve allowed just one touchdown all season. They play physical, they fly to the football, and they thrive on creating confusion at the line of scrimmage. Freeze noted this is one of the most talented defenses he’s faced since arriving at Auburn.

That said, Venables’ defenses have historically shown weaknesses against up-tempo attacks that stress communication. Freeze is likely to use motion and quick reads to force Oklahoma’s linebackers and safeties into difficult decisions. While Auburn’s ground game has been steady, this feels like a week where the passing attack must shoulder more of the load to create balance. If Venables commits to a one-high safety look, effectively bringing an extra defender into the box, Auburn can attack both vertically and horizontally. Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons are dangerous down the field, while Eric Singleton Jr. not only threatens vertically but also forces defenses to cover sideline to sideline. Freeze has featured Singleton on jet sweeps, now screens, and quick-hitting touches to put him in space, making him a constant pressure point for Oklahoma’s secondary. Add in the play-action and RPO game, and the Tigers’ receivers will have chances to win one-on-one matchups downfield while Singleton creates constant stress underneath.

One wrinkle to watch is Oklahoma’s unique “Cheetah” position, manned by Kendal Daniels. At 6’5” and 240 pounds, he’s not your typical nickel defender. Daniels is versatile enough to play the run, blitz, and cover tight ends, which gives Venables a ton of flexibility. The flip side is Auburn can try to stress him horizontally, using quick throws to the flat and slot matchups to pull him away from his comfort zone. If Daniels is forced to cover in space, Auburn may have opportunities for chunk plays.

DJ Durkin vs. John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle

On the other side, Auburn’s defensive coordinator DJ Durkin faces the challenge of stopping John Mateer, who has quickly become one of the most electric quarterbacks in the country. Mateer isn’t just dangerous through the air. His ability to extend plays and create with his legs, both on scrambles and designed runs, adds another layer to Arbuckle’s offense.

Arbuckle, a young coordinator with a creative streak, has built his scheme around Mateer’s strengths. Expect plenty of RPOs, quarterback-designed runs, and quick-game that put defenders in conflict. Mateer has displayed excellent arm talent. He can put the ball anywhere and deliver it with a ton of different arm angles, but he has also been mistake-prone at times. He’s thrown three interceptions this season, and against Michigan in Week 2 there were opportunities for more. Auburn’s defense has to capitalize when those chances arise.

Durkin’s approach to defending Oklahoma likely starts with discipline. Auburn can’t afford to over-pursue or lose gap integrity against the zone read. Edge defenders will be tasked with keeping Mateer inside the pocket, while linebackers must stay sound against play-action and RPO looks. Mixing in delayed blitzes and simulated pressures could also help force Mateer into quicker decisions.

In 2024, Durkin often deployed Demarcus Riddick as a spy on passing downs to contain mobile quarterbacks. I expect to see more of the same in this game, especially with Riddick and Xavier Atkins both capable of shadowing Mateer and limiting his scrambles. If Auburn can pair that with disciplined gap play, they’ll have a chance to keep Oklahoma’s offense off-rhythm.

Final Thoughts

This game is going to hinge on execution and discipline. Freeze’s offense will need to hit a few explosive plays to loosen up Venables’ defense, and Durkin’s defense has to keep Mateer contained without giving up too many explosive plays. Both coaches will have their hands full.

Auburn hasn’t faced a defense like Oklahoma’s, and Oklahoma hasn’t seen an offense with Auburn’s combination of power in the run game and explosiveness at receiver.

In my mind, the biggest question is whether Auburn’s secondary can hold up long enough to force Mateer into contested throws. Arbuckle has shown he isn’t afraid to lean on the run game if defenses back off, so winning early downs will be critical. If Auburn allows Oklahoma to stay ahead of schedule, it’s going to be a long day for the Tigers.

NOTE:
- Auburn CB Jay Crawford is listed as doubtful for Saturday