Can OU football escape trap game vs Missouri with CFP hopes on the line? Our predictions

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NORMAN — OU is two wins away from the College Football Playoff.

Following their statement road win over Alabama, the Sooners were ranked No. 8 in the committee's latest CFP rankings, which means they'd host a first round contest at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

First, OU must take care of business at home in its final two games of the regular season, beginning against Missouri at 11 a.m. Saturday on ABC.

The Sooners' defense will have their hands full with Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy, who became just the second player in Mizzou history to rush for 300 yards last Saturday against Mississippi State. Meanwhile, Missouri ranks first in the SEC in total defense, presenting an immense challenge for a struggling OU offense.

Can the Sooners escape a trap game at home and stay alive in the playoff race? Here are our predictions:

Colton Sulley, OU beat writer

OU 25, Missouri 20

SOONERS STAYIN' ALIVE

Brent Venables' defense overwhelms Tigers freshman quarterback as OU staves off Mizzou's upset bid

Joe Mussatto, columnist

OU 26, Missouri 21

PLAYOFF MATEER'IAL

John Mateer comes up clutch as Sooners draw within win of playoff

Jeff Patterson, sports editor

OU 27, Missouri 17

EASY, TIGER

Ahmad Hardy runs for 100 yards, but that's about all the Tigers can muster against Brent Venables' defense as the Sooners close in on College Football Playoff bid.

Jacob Unruh, deputy sports editor

OU 20, Missouri 17

CATCH A TIGER

Sooners survive a scare to stay in CFP picture

Jenni Carlson, columnist

OU 23, Missouri 13

TIGERS' BLOOD

Sooners' defense beats back Missouri run game, takes another step toward playoff invite

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Can OU football escape trap game against Missouri? Our predictions

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