Georgia football vs Oklahoma scouting report, bold predictions, injury updates

Georgia football's first two home dates this season were rather ho-hum gameday atmospheres by Sanford Stadium standards.

The weather had something to do with it, but so did opponents Tennessee State and Western Kentucky.

Another big brand name makes its first appearance ever between the hedges Saturday afternoon in Oklahoma.

The Sooners (2-1) are struggling on offense and slipped out of the AP top 25 after a pedestrian 14-6 win over New Mexico that followed a 17-10 loss at Michigan.

They are still No. 24 in the coaches poll and still look like a force on defense.

That should make this No. 2 Georgia’s toughest opponent yet this season.

"It's basically a defensive highlight reel in terms of the way to play and the way to strike blockers and the way to get off blockers and run to the ball," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said.

Georgia vs. Oklahoma predictions

Georgia center Drew Bobo was getting amped up already by Monday this week for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. game.

“Just how excited the atmosphere’s going to be, how packed it’s going to be on Saturday and how loud the crowd is going to be,” he said.

Oklahoma, even after a one-score win over New Mexico, is ranked No. 17 in ESPN's SP+ rankings. Georgia has gradually moved up in competition each week from Tennessee State (No. 283), to Western Kentucky (No. 139) to Arkansas (No. 71).

During an appearance Wednesday on Atlanta’s 680 AM radio, Kirby Smart said his defense “hasn’t been tested or stressed,” against efficient or explosive offenses yet.

“That’s coming,” he said.

Most don’t expect that to change against Oklahoma, which has struggled mightily on that side of the ball the last two games.

Georgia vs. Oklahoma scouting report

Why Georgia has an advantage: An Oklahoma offense that managed just 289 yards of total offense at Michigan and 299 against New Mexico will face a Georgia defense that ranks seventh in the nation in yards allowed at 211.3 per game and has given up just 12 points in the first three quarters this season.

Why Oklahoma has an advantage: The Sooners defense is legit and can keep the Sooners within striking distance. It has allowed just 23 points all season. Defensive tackles Jayden Jackson and David Stone and safety Peyton Bowen are NFL prospects. Georgia's offensive line struggled some in pass protection last week and will be put to the test.

Georgia vs. Oklahoma injury updates

Georgia: Running back Nate Frazier (leg, questionable), wide receiver Isiah Canion (leg, questionable), defensive back Tyriq Green (leg, out), outside linebacker Chase Linton (leg, out), cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick (knee, questionable), offensive lineman Marcus Harrison (undisclosed, out), RB Dante Dowdell (multiple injuries including collarbone, lung and arm, out), outside linebacker Amaris Williams (knee, out).

Oklahoma: Offensive lineman Michael Fasusi (shoulder, out), defensive lineman David Stone (knee, questionable), linebacker Kip Lewis (knee, probable), wide receiver Trell Harris (undisclosed, out), linebacker Taylor Helm (undisclosed, out), linebacker Cole Sullivan (undisclosed, out), defensive back Michael Boganowski (undisclosed, out), wide receiver Jer'Michael Carter (undisclosed, out).

Georgia vs. Oklahoma score prediction

Georgia 27, Oklahoma 13: After hearing boos at home last week, Oklahoma's offense might actually relish the Sooners' first trip to Athens. Facing the Bulldogs' defense isn't a quick fix for getting well, but John Mateer has weapons that are capable of making plays in receiver Isaiah Sategna and tight end Rocky Beers. Gunner Stockton and the Bulldogs have been explosive and haven't been turnover prone, unlike the Sooners. That's a winning formula for Georgia.

Georgia vs. Oklahoma scouting report: What we're watching

Georgia offensive line: After giving up just three tackles for loss in the first two games of the season, Georgia had six negative plays against Arkansas. Three of those were sacks. Right tackle Juan Gaston will be tested again by a defensive front that includes end Adepoju Adebawore (2 1/2 sacks).

Oklahoma QB John Mateer: Big things were expected of Mateer in 2026, a year after a hand injury derailed his 2025 season. He's overshot receivers too often and has thrown three interceptions including a costly one in the fourth quarter at Michigan that set up the go-ahead score and on his first throw against New Mexico. He still has 6 touchdown passes and is a dangerous runner that is capable of hurting Georgia.

Georgia running game: If Nate Frazier is playing banged up, that will put the onus on Chauncey Bowens to step up. He had 3 touchdowns last week and and rushed for 119 yards on 12 carries against Alabama and 70 on 15 carries against Kentucky last season. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo could lean on receivers Talyn Taylor and Landon Roldan and tight end Jaden Reddell to get yards on the ground.

Pass rush for Georgia: Georgia has registered eight sacks after managing just 20 all of last season. It should have a chance to get to John Mateer who attempted 33 passes at Michigan and 25 against New Mexico. He was sacked three times in Ann Arbor. Linebackers Raylen Wilson, Justin Wilson and Chris Cole have combined for 3 1/2 sacks,

Bold predictions for Georgia football vs Oklahoma

Gunner Stockton's feet are a factor again: The Georgia quarterback rushed for a career-high 97 yards on seven carries last week. Oklahoma's defense was vulnerable to QB run against Michigan when Bryce Underwood rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. Underwood had just 69 rushing yards in his other two games.

Georgia home crowd will rattle Oklahoma: The Sooners won at Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina last season, but this Sooners offensive line has been prone to false starts. Georgia fans should be primed and ready for its first formidable foe at home this season.

Bulldogs points won't be aplenty: Georgia hasn't won an SEC game at home without scoring at least 30 points since a 24-14 victory over South Carolina in 2023. This one feels like that type of game where the Bulldogs don't light up the scoreboard but control the game enough to leave with a win by two scores.

Jaden Reddell makes presence felt: Jaden Reddell has had a quiet last two weeks with just one catch for seven yards. Look for the junior to get more touches not only in the passing game but as a runner. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder looked like Brock Bowers already on a touchdown wiped out by a penalty.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia football vs Oklahoma scouting report, bold predictions, injury updates