Oklahoma is so close it can taste it. 

The No. 8 Sooners have to take care of LSU on Senior Day to return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019, but OU won’t be at full strength for the final push. 

Center Jake Maikkula is doubtful for Saturday’s contest between the Sooners and the Tigers, throwing one last wrench into things for Oklahoma as it tries to secure its spot in the CFP. 

Here are three matchups OU must win to get across the finish line at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. 

Receiver Isaiah Sategna is the Sooners’ only big-play option on offense. 

He was able to turn a quick slant into an 87-yard score last week against Missouri, and he may have to bail Oklahoma’s offense out against LSU. 

The shuffling up front will likely see right guard Febechi Nwaiwu slide over to center, and even if the Sooners were healthy up front, running backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock are playing hurt. 

OU’s quick passing game may have to take the place of any non-quarterback running game, and Sategna breaking off one or two of those plays for a big gain could help provide enough separation for Oklahoma’s defense to go to work. 

LSU will also be without its center. 

Braelin Moore, who has played in every game this year, was ruled out for Saturday’s contest. 

Backup DJ Chester, who is expected to step in for Moore, will have his hands full. 

OU defensive tackles Gracen Halton, David Stone, Damonic Williams and Jayden Jackson have formed one of the best position groups in college football, and they’ll be able to throw every look at Chester.

Todd Bates’ defensive tackles seamlessly stunt and twist, as well as overpowering opposing offensive lines, and if Chester can’t digest what he’s seeing in front of him, quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. could have defenders in his face all afternoon. 

LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green will be one of Van Buren’s key weapons on Saturday — especially if he’s constantly on the run. 

The 6-foot-7 tight end is a matchup nightmare for any defense, though he’s still just fourth on the team with 28 catches for 323 yards. Green does lead the Tigers with five touchdown receptions, however. 

Thankfully for the Sooners, they have their own matchup nightmare on defense. 

Kendal Daniels has proven his worth week after week this year, proving he can step up and play the right while also seamlessly dropping back into coverage. 

With defensive back Reggie Powers III suspended for the first half due to a second half targeting last week, Daniels’ role will be even bigger in Saturday’s first half. 

If he can win his battles against Green, the Sooners will be able to take away one more weapon from an LSU offense that has struggled all year, which is a comfortable plan of attack for Brent Venables and his defense.

The health situation along Oklahoma’s offensive line is headed in the wrong direction ahead of the Sooners’ regular season finale.

OU center Jake Maikkula was downgraded from questionable for Saturday’s contest, as was guard Heath Ozaeta on Thursday’s SEC Availability Report.

Without Maikkula, the Sooners could move right guard Febechi Nwaiwu over to center. 

That could also slide Ryan Fodje from right tackle to right guard, with Derek Simmons holding it down at right tackle for the Sooenrs. 

Oklahoma hasn’t had to go beyond Maikkula or Troy Everett at center so far this year.

Everett sustained a season-ending injury in September, and while Maikkula has played through injuries at times this year, he’s yet to miss a game in 2025.

There was a bit of good news with defensive tackle Jayden Jackson.

He was upgraded from questionable to probable on the Thursday report. Jackson hasn’t been 100 percent over the past two weeks, but he’s a key piece at the heart of the Sooners’ defensive line.

Running back Jovantae Barnes remained listed as questionable for the contest.

Defensive end R Mason Thomas and defensive back Gentry Williams were both ruled out for the contest. 

Thomas injured himself during his scoop-and-score against Tennessee, and Williams hasn’t appeared since exiting the contest against South Carolina on the game’s opening defensive drive.

Offensive linemen Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor both remained listed as doubtful, though neither lineman has played in an SEC contest this year. 

Defensive back Reggie Powers III was also listed, though he is not injured. 

Powers will miss the first half on Saturday after he was ejected in the second half of last week’s win over Missouri for targeting. 

LSU will be without receivers Aaron Anderson and Nic Anderson, as well as center Braelin Moore. 

Aaron Anderson is third on the team with 398 receiving yards on 33 catches. Nic Anderson has added 12 receptions for 106 yards and two scores this year. 

Linebacker Whit Weeks was upgraded to probable alongside defensive back Ja’Keem Jackson and running back Caden Durham.

Durham leads LSU with 463 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 100 carries. 

Kickoff between the Sooners and the Tigers is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.