Butch Jones and Brent Venables enter the 2023 season looking to take their teams in new directions. The Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Oklahoma Sooners prediction tells us how they’ll do that and how Week 1 will go for their respective teams.
Arkansas State vs. Oklahoma Betting and DFS Preview
- Spread
Oklahoma -35 - Moneyline
N/A - Over/Under
58.5 total points - Game time
12 p.m. ET - Location
Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK - Predicted Weather at Kick
97 degrees, clear, 9 mph winds - How to Watch
FuboTV, ESPN - How to Buy Tickets
TicketNetwork
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Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
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Arkansas State Depth Chart | Oklahoma Depth Chart
- QB Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma ($11,100)
- RB Jovantae Barnes, Oklahoma ($8,900)
- WR Jalil Farooq, Oklahoma ($8,400)
- WR Marcus Major, Oklahoma ($7,400)
- WR Drake Stoops, Oklahoma ($6,900)
- WR Corey Rucker, Arkansas State ($6,200)
- QB J.T. Shrout, Arkansas State ($6,000)
- RB Brian Snead, Arkansas State ($5,800)
- WR Andrel Anthony, Oklahoma ($5,700)
- WR Gavin Freeman, Oklahoma ($5,600)
- WR Brenen Thompson, Oklahoma ($5,500)
- QB Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma ($5,400)
- RB Ja’Quez Cross, Arkansas State ($5,400)
- WR LV Bunkley-Shelton ($5,400)
- WR Jeff Foreman, Arkansas State ($5,400)
A Jeff Lebby offense is a fantasy owner’s dream, but it comes down to this — who are the go-to guys? While Oklahoma appears set in Dillon Gabriel’s hands, last year showed that you need a backup option. The Sooners love what they have in Jackson Arnold should Gabriel go down.
With Marvin Mims gone, a new go-to weapon must emerge. Jalil Farooq has a big play ability, so he could play that role. Drake Stoops is back, too, and is as reliable as they get when it comes to picking up yards in key situations.
Running back is interesting as Marcus Major and Tawee Walker sit atop the depth chart currently, with Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk listed behind them. So, hold off on picking one of them for now.
Arkansas State doesn’t quite have the same firepower that Oklahoma possesses, but they bring in some quality value plays. Corey Rucker returns to Arkansas State after transferring to South Carolina, and Jones brought in J.T. Shrout from Colorado to run the offense.
Prediction for Arkansas State vs. Oklahoma
Butch Jones understands the urgency he needs this year. It’s been tough sledding for the Red Wolves during his tenure, and it feels like a bowl game is the only thing keeping him here longer.
Shrout was a talented recruit, but things didn’t work out at Tennessee or Colorado. If he can rediscover the confidence he played with in high school, Arkansas State’s offense should take flight.
Oklahoma knows how to fly on offense, and Lebby’s hire was one of the best moves that Venables made when coming to Norman. Lebby continues developing Dillon Gabriel, and now the Sooners hope that he can stay healthy all year.
Oklahoma’s skill positions are deep but largely unproven. Farooq’s a fun player to watch but is still growing. Andrel Anthony showed flashes of greatness at Michigan but couldn’t crack the starting lineup. Austin Stogner returns to bring a steady hand to the tight end position.
The defense is stacked with talent, but the question remains if Venables can get them to play to their potential. Last year, we saw a lot of up-and-down play, so Sooners fans are hoping they can find some consistency.
Danny Stutsman and Jaren Kanak can be two of the best linebackers in the country, and the guys in front of them can wreak havoc, too. Ethan Downs and Trace Ford command attention on the edge, while Rondell Bothroyd will do the same opposite of them.
Oklahoma’s looking to exit the Big 12 on a high note, but there’s plenty to work on for that to happen. The fanbase expects a championship, and they can get off to a good start with a strong performance here.
Prediction
Oklahoma 45, Arkansas State 10