DAWG Preview: Arizona vs Oklahoma in the Valero Alamo Bowl

'The Alamo' Photo Credit: David Wiley via Flickr

This Alamo Bowl features Arizona (9-3,7-2) taking on Oklahoma (10-2,7-2) in a battle of top 15 teams. Oklahoma had a bounce-back season this year from a disappointing 6-7 season last year. Arizona had a disappointing season last year and turned it around this year to win nine games so far.

Broadcast Information:

Date: December 28th, 2023

Time: 9:15 EST

Channel: ESPN

Broadcasters: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, and Cole Cubelic

Key Players (not playing) - Oklahoma

Dillon Gabriel - Quarterback (transfer portal)

Tawee Walker - Running back (transfer portal)

Key Lawrence - Defensive back (transfer portal)

Players to watch

Jackson Arnold Quarterback Oklahoma - The freshman phenom will get his first start for the Sooners. A top-ten recruit last year for Oklahoma according to On3.com. In a limited role this season he has thrown for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Danny Stutsman Linebacker Oklahoma - Comes into this game with 99 tackles and 3 sacks. One of the best linebackers in America announced he was coming back to Oklahoma next year and will be looking to set the tone for the Sooner defense in this game and into next year.

Noah Fifita Quarterback Arizona - He took over the starting quarterback position five games into the season and never looked back. Throwing for 2,515 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions the freshman quarterback has been a pleasant surprise for Arizona.

Jacob Manu Linebacker Arizona - Has 97 tackles and 6.5 sacks on the season. The outstanding linebacker will have to be ready for a good Oklahoma rushing attack in this game. He should be up for the task to stop the Sooners offense which might put some extra pressure on the freshman quarterback in his first game.

Prediction - Alamo Bowl

Arizona has the 37th-best defense in college football giving up 340.9 yards of offense per game, compared to Oklahoma coming in at 77th nationally giving up 389.9 yards a game. Oklahoma has the 5th ranked offense gaining 502.4 yards per game while Arizona is 17th gaining 453.4 yards per game. Arizona has everyone playing in this game while Oklahoma is without their starting quarterback and a key contributor in the defense and the backfield. While Jackson Arnold will be really good in the future and might even show flashes in this game, Arizona is just the more cohesive team with a better overall defense. Arizona wins 31-27.