LEXINGTON — Another week, another overtime victory for Kentucky football.
UK went on the road Oct. 3 and rallied to upend South Carolina, 35-34, in the extra period. Then on Oct. 10, Kentucky knocked off LSU by the same score in overtime at Kroger Field.
With the win over the Tigers, the Wildcats and coach Will Stein improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in SEC play. In the process, Stein became the first rookie UK coach since Alpha Brumage in 1913 to begin 5-1.
The Cats and their coach aim to keep the good times rolling this week, as they make the long westward trek to face Oklahoma.
The Sooners are 3-2 this fall, topping Texas in the Red River Rivalry last week.
Here are three things to watch heading into the clash between the Wildcats and Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium:
First time for everything
Oklahoma became a member of the SEC ahead of the 2024 season. This week marks the first time UK and OU will lock horns on the gridiron in a conference affair.
The teams have met only three times previously.
The Sooners have won two of the three matchups, with the last contest in Lexington in 1982. Oklahoma notched a 29-8 victory on the road, two years after it earned a 29-7 win at home over Kentucky. The Wildcats' lone triumph doubles as arguably the signature win in program history: Kentucky and coach Bear Bryant beat Oklahoma, 13-7, in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1951.
That victory snapped the Sooners' 31-game winning streak.
How will Kentucky continue handling success?
Halfway through Stein's first season as a head coach, the Wildcats are far exceeding outsiders' expectations.
Remember: Media members who cover the league picked Kentucky to finish 14th in the conference this fall. Now, with two victories over foes ranked in the top 10 at the time of their matchup, UK is being bandied about as a possible College Football Playoff club.
For a program, and head coach, that have never been in this position, the Cats appear to be handling prosperity as well as they can. They followed up an upset of Texas A&M with a 45-21 rout of South Alabama. After the come-from-behind victory over USC, Kentucky returned home and felled LSU.
But after besting Lane Kiffin's Tigers, there are more eyes on Stein's squad than ever. Playoff talk will become louder and louder.
How will Kentucky's players deal with the increased scrutiny?
Can Oklahoma build off upset of archrival Texas?
After four games, Oklahoma was in the gutter. It was 2-2. Wins over teams it paid to beat (New Mexico and UTEP). Losses to opponents that move the needle (Georgia and Michigan). The schedule did it no favors, as OU's next foe was its most bitter rival: Texas. Which entered this year's Red River Rivalry ranked as the No. 1 team in the country.
But the Sooners defied all the negative narratives surrounding them, bouncing back from a 10-point halftime deficit (17-7) to collect a 27-24 win thanks to a walk-off field goal from Tate Sandell.
Will the victory turn around the Sooners' season?
Or was it merely the highlight of a campaign that will end short of a second straight playoff appearance?
Kentucky football players to watch
Kenny Minchey, quarterback: It was another interception-free game for Minchey in the OT win over LSU. That's now four straight outings without a pick for the senior. On the season, he has completed 67.4% (120 for 178) of his attempts for 1,394 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Willie Rodriguez, tight end: The Kentucky native had a team-high six receptions against the Tigers, marking the 17th time in his past 18 games he's recorded at least one catch. Rodriguez has 28 receptions this fall, one behind Kenny Darby for the team lead.
Elijah "Bo" Barnes, linebacker: The Texas transfer tallied a career- and team-high 12 tackles against LSU. Barnes' 2½ tackles for loss were another game high.
Oklahoma football players to watch
John Mateer, quarterback: The Texan still is looking to hit his stride this season. Though he's completed 66.7% of his passes for 1,038 yards and eight touchdowns, he's tossed four interceptions. And a player known for making plays with his feet hasn't made a difference in that area this season. He combined to run for 23 scores over the past two years; Mateer has no rushing TDs through five games in 2026.
Isaiah Sategna III, wide receiver: The fifth-year senior is the Sooners' most dynamic player — and one of the best in the country. He's OU's top pass catcher (25 receptions for 331 yards and two scores) and a game-changing threat on special teams. Sategna is averaging 18.6 yards per punt return, which leads the SEC and ranks third in the FBS.
Peyton Bowen, defensive back: Another Texan, Bowen has been among the most disruptive pass defenders in the confernece this fall. He has four pass breakups and an interception; his INT doubled as a pick-six, returning Arch Manning's pass 42 yards to give the Sooners a 24-17 lead in the final quarter of the Red River Rivalry.
Kentucky vs. Oklahoma football prediction
Oklahoma 23, Kentucky 17: Handing archnemesis (and top-ranked) Texas its first loss is a shot in the arm for Oklahoma. The Sooners return home and fend off a spirited effort from the Wildcats. Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey hasn't tossed an interception since Sept. 12 (a pick-six in the second half vs. Alabama). He picks an inopportune time for his second of the season: Oklahoma nabs his errant pass on the visitors' final possession as they attempt to engineer a game-winning drive.
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How to watch Kentucky vs. LSU football game
Who: No. 17 Kentucky (5-1, 3-1 SEC) at Oklahoma (3-2, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium; Norman, Oklahoma
TV: SEC Network
Radio: Tom Leach (play-by-play), Jeff Piecoro (analyst) and Dick Gabriel (sideline) will have the UK radio network call on 840 AM in Louisville and both 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington and online at UKAthletics.com.
Streaming: Qualified subscribers can watch the game at espn.com/watch.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky vs. Oklahoma storylines, players to watch in Week 7 SEC matchup