LSU enters its College Football Playoff matchup with Oklahoma on Saturday as nearly two-touchdown favorites.
However, there are plenty of reasons to like Oklahoma heading into the playoff. The Sooners have been here before. Coach Lincoln Riley is one of the best in the sport. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has played on the biggest stage and is hungry to return.
Not many prognosticators are giving Oklahoma much of a chance, though.
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The Tigers have looked nearly unstoppable this season and quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy after outscoring opponents nearly 48-21.
The Sooners, however, are averaging more than 43 points per game and the defense is playing much better under new coordinator Alex Grinch.
We ask Rivals National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell if Oklahoma can hang with LSU or if we're looking at an easy win for the SEC champs?
ASK FARRELL
“I originally predicted LSU wins 41-24. But as this game approaches, I'm beginning to think Oklahoma can and will hang in there. Jalen Hurts is a winner, the Sooners have a ton of offensive weapons and the defense is much improved. Joe Burrow has dominated pretty much every team he’s faced this season and he will have a big game against Oklahoma as well but the Sooners' offense will make this a battle and a tightly contested game. Oklahoma has a ton of talent and many difference makers that are being overlooked.
"I no longer think LSU is going to cruise to a two-TD win. I'm still picking the Tigers, but let's go with LSU 37, Oklahoma 34."
