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if you've been patiently waiting to watch No. 5 Oklahoma open the 2020 season vs. Missouri State on Saturday, you'll need to pay for it -- literally. The Sooners are set to face off with the FCS Bears in a game that can only be seen either on pay-per-view or in person. Not that this game will be of much national interest, but there are a couple of interesting storylines to keep an eye on if you're so inclined to pay attention.
So while there's not necessarily a lot about this game that will have major national implications -- short of a massive upset, of course -- there are some things to follow as we move forward with the season. Check out this game's storylines and viewing information below.
Storylines
Oklahoma: As usual, there's going to be a lot of focus on the Sooners' offense and quarterback Spencer Rattler, in particular. The former five-star prospect saw some snaps in 2019 as a backup, but this will be his first start. He shouldn't have a hard time against Missouri State, and he has plenty of help around him, including leading returning wideout Charleston Rambo.
Of perhaps lesser importance in Week 2, but still something to watch, is how Oklahoma handles the running game. Kennedy Brooks opted out of the season, Trey Sermon transferred and Rhamondre Stevenson is facing a NCAA suspension. T.J. Pledger, who had 65 yards and a touchdown last year, is likely to lead a running back by committee approach until the depth chart settles a bit. Most people outside some Oklahoma fans will have to wait another week to see how these storylines work out, but first impressions are going to be made here.
Missouri State: Did you know the Bears are coached by Bobby Petrino? It's true! And it's something that was easily forgotten until it became clear college football was actually going to be played this fall. The Bears are actually only playing three games this fall as part of an amended season: Saturday's game vs. Oklahoma and then not one, but two games against Central Arkansas. Missouri State is coming off a 1-11 season in 2019, so Petrino isn't going to have many opportunities to rebuild this program on the field for the foreseeable future. It's one of those bad situations for a program stuck in a ditch.
Viewing information
Date: Saturday, Sept. 12 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Memorial Stadium -- Norman, Oklahoma
TV: PPV ($54.99) | Live stream: SoonerSports.TV & SoonerSports app ($54.99)
