Allen Kenney is a longtime college football blogger who roots for the Oklahoma Sooners. He currently co-hosts the podcast Through the Keyhole, and you can find his writing on Keyholepod.com and Through the Keyhole’s Patreon site. You can follow on Twitter at @blatanthomerism. This is second appearance on the Blogle. His first was before the 2017 Sugar Bowl. He’s a good guy. 
1. What’s the first thing an Oklahoma fan thinks of when Auburn football comes to mind?
An unemployed coach collecting a very large lump sum payment. (It’s actually Cam Newton doing awesome stuff.)
2. What’s the vibe like in Norman right now?
Is befuddled a vibe? Watching the Sooners play stout defense and completely inept offense has been very disorienting.
Despite the concerns about this particular team, though, most fans seem thrilled about joining the SEC. By all accounts, the atmosphere last week for OU’s first conference game against Tennessee was as good as it has been in decades.
3. Name two Sooners that Auburn fans should look out for and why?
I’ll start off with Michael Hawkins, who is taking over as the starting quarterback. Jackson Arnold’s struggles didn’t give Brent Venables much choice but to make a change behind center, but the coaching staff actually is very high on the playmaking element Hawkins brings to the offense. We’ll see if the freshman can give the offense a spark.
Another name to know is Danny Stutsman. He’s one of the better linebackers in the country, and he acts as one of the leaders on OU’s rejuvenated defense.
4. Which two Auburn Tigers worry you the most?
I’ll stay basic here and go with Jarquez Hunter and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. In Hunter, we’re talking about one of the top two or three running backs in the entire conference. If the game turns into a rock fight, he could do some damage late in the game if the OU defense is worn down. As for Lambert-Smith, he’s averaging more than 28 yards per catch this year – don’t think I need to say more.
5. Where does Oklahoma have an advantage in this game?
OU probably has the strongest unit of either team in this matchup with its defense. Venables has added major depth on that side of the ball, and new defensive coordinator Zac Alley has brought some concepts with him to round out their menu of solutions for whatever offenses can present.
6. Where will Auburn excel most against the Sooners?
If the first four games are any indication, OU’s offensive line will give the Tigers plenty of chances to create negative plays and force the Sooners into mistakes. That should only make things tougher for a freshman QB making his first start.
7. Who are your two favorite Auburn Tigers of all time and why?
Number one is Rudi Johnson. What a beast. The fact he went by Rudi cracked me up, because it doesn’t sound like a badass’ name. It would be like finding out the toughest dude you know is named Chauncey or something.
The second one is Chris Davis. I mean, Kick Six – what more do you need?
8. What is your score prediction/analysis for this game?
OU, 21-20. With how these offenses are performing, everyone may need some eye bleach when this is done. Auburn’s tendency to turn the ball over plays into the hands of the Sooners on defense. I’m betting we see one more mistake out of the Tigers than OU.
9. Where will Auburn and Oklahoma end up this year?
With how OU’s schedule sets up, I thought 8-4 would be a good year before the season started. Given how the offense looks, I’m more in the 7-5/6-6 range now.
Looking at what is left for the Tigers, I’m having a hard time seeing a bowl game in their future. Think the max for this team is 6-6.
10. What do you think about Hugh Freeze?
I think we can all hope his story has a happy ending.
