OU vs. Kent State football: Will Marvin Mims have 100 receiving yards vs. Golden Flashes

NORMAN — OU continues its season at 6 p.m. Saturday with a game against Kent State on Owen Field in Norman.

The No. 7-ranked Sooners (1-0, 0-0 Big 12) are looking to build off a 45-13 win over UTEP in Week 1, while the Golden Flashes (0-1, 0-0 MAC) are hoping to bounce back from a 45-20 loss to Washington.

Here's a look at some keys to watch when the two teams face off.

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OU wide receiver Marvin Mims: Kent State's defense allowed the most first downs per game (26.4) in the nation last season, and Mims could exploit that weakness. The junior wide receiver is OU's best deep threat. He made three catches for 81 yards against UTEP in Week 1, but he could be in for an even bigger day against Kent State.

OU tight end Brayden Willis: After hauling in two touchdowns last season, Willis matched that total against UTEP. The fifth-year tight end made three catches for 40 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Willis is commonly praised by his teammates and coaches for being a leader off the field, but it'll be interesting to see just how large of a role he has on the field this season.

OU defensive end Reggie Grimes: OU recorded six sacks against UTEP, and Grimes led the charge. The junior racked up a career-high 2.5 sacks, and he'll be needed again in Week 2. Despite losing four of five starters from last season's offensive line, Kent State only surrendered one sack against Washington.

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Will practice pay off for OU's defense? Kent State boasts an up-tempo offense that ranked fifth in the nation in total yards per game (493.4) last season. Fortunately for OU's defense, it's used to playing at a fast pace. The group goes up against an up-tempo OU offense during practice, and that conditioning should pay off this weekend.

Which reserves will make the most of their playing time? In a game where OU is expected win handily, there should be plenty of opportunities for reserve players to shine. From freshman running back Jovantae Barnes to freshman defensive end R Mason Thomas, it'll be worth watching which players make the most of their snaps down the stretch if the Sooners are up big.

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Two Sooners will record over 100 receiving yards: Redshirt junior quarterback Dillon Gabriel was more efficient than daring when it came to his passes against UTEP, but he has the chance to put up big numbers through the air against Kent State. Mims figures to be the main beneficiary of a passing clinic, but there a few other OU receivers who could surpass 100 receiving yards. Theo Wease is due for a big outing after missing last season due to an injury, while Jalil Farooq established himself as a breakout candidate after he caught four passes for 69 yards against Oregon in last season's Alamo Bowl.

Justin Martinez, Staff writer

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Will Marvin Mims have 100 receiving yards vs. Kent State?