CNHI
CHICKASHA —
Line: Oklahoma by 34.
Series Record: Oklahoma leads 4-0.
Last Meeting: Sept. 15, 2007, Oklahoma 54-3
What's at Stake
Oklahoma can become the seventh Division I program to reach 800 wins if it avoids starting a second straight season with an upset loss to a Utah-based team — last season it was BYU at Cowboys Stadium. The Aggies are trying to win their season opener for just the fourth time in 24 tries and the first time since 1997.
Key Matchup
Utah State QB Diondre Borel vs. Oklahoma CBs. Borel threw only four interceptions in 366 pass attempts while leading the nation's 12th-best offense last season. The Sooners are breaking in a pair of new starters in the defensive backfield in Demontre Hurst and Jamell Fleming, and freshman Aaron Colvin is also expected to play.
Players to Watch
Utah State: RBs Michael Smith and Derrvin Speight. With Robert Turbin out after rushing for just under 1,300 yards last season, it'll fall to this senior tandem to do damage against a Sooners defense that shut out three opponents a year ago.
Oklahoma: RB DeMarco Murray. After splitting carries with Chris Brown for his first three seasons, Murray is now the featured back for the Sooners. And with backup Mossis Madu suspended for an offseason arrest, Murray could get an even heavier load in the opener.
Facts & Figures
The Sooners are 799-302-53 (.726) in 115 seasons. ... Oklahoma has won a school-record 30 straight home games. ... Utah State will debut new helmets with facemasks that are blue instead of white. ... The Aggies have been outscored 230-27 in their four previous losses to Oklahoma teams that were all also ranked in the top 10.
