Big Noon Live: Everything to know ahead of Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati

Bryan Fischer

College Football Writer

In the past, Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati could have made for an intriguing early-season non-conference litmus test, a matchup between a traditional powerhouse and a rising Group of 5 heavyweight.

Now, though, it’s an important Big 12 showdown, a contest between two teams who will have little chance to build up their rivalry before their paths diverge next season.

HOW TO WATCH ‘BIG NOON KICKOFF’ THIS SATURDAY

For the Bearcats, the goal is to make a splash in their first game as a Big 12 team. The Sooners, meanwhile, are looking for one last year of conference dominance before they jump ship for the SEC.

It all kicks off what should be a great day of college football, and “Big Noon Kickoff” will be there in Cincinnati to document it all.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the Oklahoma-Cincinnati showdown. Check back Saturday for pregame coverage, followed by live in-game analysis from FOX Sports’ Bryan Fischer!

No. 16 Oklahoma (3-0) at Cincinnati (2-1)

PREGAME READING

Week 4 wagering: Chris “The Bear” Fallica shares predictions for his favorite Week 4 matchups. Read more.

How Andrel Anthony became an Oklahoma star: WR Andrel Anthony was languishing at Michigan before entering the transfer portal. He eventually found a home at Oklahoma, along with an offense to suit his skill set. Read more from Michael Cohen.

Who scouts are watching in Week 4: Is undersized Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel a future pro? He’s only one of several players NFL scouts will be watching closely in a stacked Week 4 slate. NFL Draft expert Rob Rang reveals what he’ll be looking for.

What we’re watching in Oklahoma-Cincinnati, and the rest of Week 4: Can Oklahoma pass its first real test? Can Colorado and Notre Dame pull off upsets? Our experts share the storylines they’re most interested in during Saturday’s action. Read more.

Contenders or pretenders?: A quarter of the way through the season, it’s a good time to examine each Power 5 conference and analyze which teams are legitimate contenders. Can Oklahoma challenge Texas? Can anyone stop Michigan? And who will emerge in a loaded Pac-12? Bryan Fischer has the story.

PREGAME NUMBERS TO KNOW

2010: The last time Oklahoma and Cincinnati met. The Sooners are 2-0 all-time against the Bearcats.

30: The number of tackles Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman has this season, which leads the Big 12.

9.3: The average number of points Oklahoma’s defense is allowing per game through three weeks.

+139: Oklahoma has the highest scoring differential in the FBS this season, having outscored opponents 167-28.

3: Rushing TDs this season by Cincinnati QB Emory Jones, which is tied for the most of any Big 12 quarterback.

10: The number of sacks Cincinnati’s defense has through three games, which is tied for second-most in the Big 12 this season.

45.5%: Completion rate the Bearcats are holding opposing quarterbacks to — third-best in the nation.

[More numbers to know in Week 4 games]

And more reading around the sport …

The engine that makes Colorado go: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders has lit a fire in the Buffaloes, just like his father and coach Deion Sanders has done across the entire sport. RJ Young explains the impact of both.

The next great Buckeyes QB?: Kyle McCord had his best game yet in Week 3, but with No. 9 Notre Dame waiting in South Bend on Saturday, it’s time for Ohio State’s first-year starter to sink or swim. Laken Litman has the story.

Who’s up next at Michigan State?: With Mel Tucker on the way out, here are two potential candidates to take over the Spartans program. Read more.

Bryan Fischer is a college football writer for FOX Sports. He has been covering college athletics for nearly two decades at outlets such as NBC Sports, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports and NFL.com among others. Follow him on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.