Off to their best start in a decade, the No. 5 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish will aim to remain undefeated when they face the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, OK. 

Playing on the Sooners' home turf for the first time in 46 years, Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly is well aware of the importance that his team's defense performs well in the matchup, according to ESPN.

"I think controlling the football for us and playing great defense in the second half has been our formula for winning and we are not going to go away from that.  It goes to the toughness of our football team."

Although the Notre Dame defenders are ranked second in the nation in points allowed, the Sooners do possess the fifth best offense in terms of points scored per game.  The team currently holds a three game winning streak in which they have beaten their opponents by at least a 21-point margin.

Due to the flu, Notre Dame's RB George Atkinson III will not be playing in today's game against Oklahoma which could severally hinder the Fighting Irish's offense.  With Atkinson's presence gone in the backfield, both Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood must step it up.  However, just like Atkinson, the other rushers are averaging over 4.5 yards per carry and have at least two touchdowns a piece.  Hence, they do have the capabilities to fill the void left by his absence.

With the Sooners' strong defense expected to press the line, QB Golson and the Fighting Irish attack will more than likely attempt to emphasize their passing game as well.  Oklahoma's already strong front line will receive an instant boost with the return of defensive tackle standout Stacy McGee, who is back after serving a suspension.

CLICK HERE to watch the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Oklahoma Sooners via free live stream.  Coverage is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. CT.

Tags: NCAA Football