After recent setbacks, No. 21 Missouri hopes to get back on track at home against Oklahoma.

As the 2025 college football season progresses, No. 21 Missouri finds itself at a critical juncture, looking to rebound after a series of recent setbacks. After a promising start to the season, the Tigers have faced challenges that have slowed their momentum. However, their upcoming home game against the Oklahoma Sooners presents an opportunity to get back on track and reassert themselves as a contender in the national landscape.

The game is shaping up to be a crucial one not only for Missouri’s season but also for the direction of the program moving forward. A win against a high-profile opponent like Oklahoma would not only boost the Tigers’ confidence but also demonstrate that they are capable of competing at the highest level. For head coach Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri coaching staff, this game provides an opportunity to prove that their team is more than just a good team on paper—they can be a team that can handle adversity and rise to the occasion when needed most.

Recent Setbacks: A Wake-Up Call for Missouri

Entering the 2025 season, Missouri had high hopes and aspirations. The Tigers were ranked in the preseason Top 25, and their offense was expected to be potent, with quarterback Brady Cook leading the charge and a talented group of playmakers around him. The team showed flashes of brilliance early in the season, but recent setbacks have highlighted the challenges they face in the highly competitive SEC.

The most recent of these setbacks came in a tough road loss to an in-conference rival. While Missouri put up a fight, their inability to finish strong in the second half was the main reason they walked away without a win. Turnovers, missed opportunities in the red zone, and some critical defensive lapses were all contributing factors that led to the defeat. As the Tigers returned to campus after that game, they knew they had a lot to work on if they were to get their season back on track.

But a loss isn’t the end—it’s often the beginning of something new. For Missouri, this loss served as a wake-up call, highlighting areas that needed improvement and motivating them to correct their mistakes. There’s no better opponent to face in a moment of rebounding than the Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma, too, comes into this game with its own set of challenges and goals, but they remain one of the premier programs in college football and a team that Missouri can learn a lot from.

Oklahoma: A High-Powered Opponent

When Missouri hosts Oklahoma at home, it will be facing an opponent that brings a rich tradition of success, a high-powered offense, and a defense that can stifle the best in the nation. While Oklahoma’s 2025 season has had its ups and downs, they remain a formidable opponent. Under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners have been one of the top programs in the Big 12 and nationally. Their style of play is aggressive, fast-paced, and often overpowering for opponents who aren’t prepared to meet that level of intensity.

For Missouri, matching up against a team with Oklahoma’s caliber is a big test. The Sooners boast one of the top offenses in the country, led by their quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, who has been exceptional in leading Oklahoma’s high-flying attack. Gabriel’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute deep-ball throws has made him a threat for opposing defenses. With weapons like Marvin Mims and Theo Wease at wide receiver, Oklahoma’s passing game is always a danger.

Defensively, Oklahoma may have had some inconsistencies, but they have the talent to stifle Missouri’s offense. The Sooners’ defensive line is loaded with talent and depth, and their linebackers have the ability to disrupt passing lanes and apply pressure on the quarterback. In order for Missouri to have success in this game, they will need to find ways to counter Oklahoma’s defensive strengths while exploiting any weaknesses.

Key Storylines for Missouri Heading into the Game

1. Brady Cook’s Bounce-Back Performance

One of the most important factors for Missouri in this game is the performance of quarterback Brady Cook. Cook has had a solid year up until this point, but his play has been inconsistent in the Tigers’ recent losses. Against top-tier opponents, Cook must be able to manage the game efficiently, make quick decisions, and avoid turnovers. Against a high-powered team like Oklahoma, the Tigers can’t afford to make mistakes that could swing the momentum in favor of the Sooners.

Cook has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and this game could be the opportunity for him to truly shine on a national stage. Whether it’s hitting deep shots downfield or managing the game with precision, Cook’s performance will be a key to Missouri’s chances in this matchup.

2. The Missouri Defense’s Ability to Contain Oklahoma’s Offense

Oklahoma’s offense is one of the best in the country, but Missouri’s defense has the potential to be just as tough. The Tigers’ defense has been effective for much of the season, especially in stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Against a dynamic offense like Oklahoma’s, the Missouri defense will need to be disciplined and stay true to its assignments.

One key player for Missouri is linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper, who has been a standout on the defensive side of the ball. Hopper’s ability to read plays, tackle in space, and provide leadership will be crucial in limiting the damage that Gabriel and the Oklahoma receivers can do. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker will need to dial up the right schemes to put pressure on Gabriel while making sure the defense doesn’t get burned by big plays.

3. The Home-Field Advantage

The setting for this game—Faurot Field in Columbia—could provide Missouri with a much-needed advantage. Playing at home in front of their passionate fan base could help the Tigers rise to the occasion. With a high-profile opponent like Oklahoma, the energy in the stadium will be electric, and Missouri will need to feed off that energy to perform at its best.

Home-field advantage in college football cannot be understated, especially in a game like this, where Missouri is looking to bounce back from a tough loss. The fans will be behind them every step of the way, and that support could help fuel the team as they take on one of the best programs in the country.

4. The Tigers’ Ability to Execute in Critical Moments

As with any game, the key to victory will often come down to who can make the critical plays when they matter most. Whether it’s a crucial third-down conversion or a stop on defense to preserve a lead, Missouri will need to execute in high-pressure situations. The ability to execute in critical moments has been one of the Tigers’ weaknesses in their recent losses, and correcting that issue is vital to their chances against Oklahoma.

What Missouri Needs to Do to Win

To secure a victory over Oklahoma, Missouri will need to focus on a few key areas:

1. Limit Turnovers – Missouri has struggled with turnovers in their recent losses. Against a team like Oklahoma, they cannot afford to give the ball away. Clean, mistake-free football will be key to keeping pace with the Sooners.
2. Contain Oklahoma’s Big Play Threats – Oklahoma’s offense thrives on big plays. Missouri’s defense will need to make sure they don’t allow the Sooners to hit deep passes or break off long runs.
3. Balanced Offensive Attack – While Brady Cook will need to lead the offense, Missouri cannot become one-dimensional. They need to have success on the ground with running back Cody Schrader to keep Oklahoma’s defense off-balance.
4. Efficient Special Teams Play – Special teams can often be the difference in close games. Missouri will need to take advantage of any special teams opportunities to gain an edge.