College Football Preview: #14 Oklahoma State vs. #18 Oklahoma
One of the best rivalries in all of college football in a battle of top-20 teams.
The definition of bedlam according to Merriam-Webster goes as follows:
“…a place, scene, or state of uproar and confusion…”
That obviously describes a chaotic capacity as well as one of the most entertaining rivalries in all of college football. The Oklahoma-Oklahoma State series has been played since the year 1904. In that very first meeting, the Sooners topped then-Oklahoma A&M by a score of 74-0. A lopsided meeting to say the least.
There is assurance that the outcome of this impending meeting will not match the results of the very first meeting. Based on the 2020 college football season so far, the winner of the latest contest between #14 Oklahoma State (5-1, 4-1 in the Big 12) and #18 Oklahoma (5-2, 4-2) will have a comfortable seat en route to a possible Big 12 championship game berth. Here’s the preview of this weekend’s enticing contest between two in-state rivals.
Network: ABC
Time: Saturday, November 21st, 7:30 PM EST
Oklahoma State Analysis
Unlike seasons past, the Oklahoma State offense is geared by a run game that can stand toe to toe with a lot of teams across college football. Running back Chuba Hubbard is third in the Big 12 in rushing yards with 581 and averages 96.8 yards per game. Behind him is LD Brown, who has 370 yards and averages 6.2 yards per carry. As a team, Oklahoma State is 43rd in college football in rushing yards per game with 190.2. Receiver Tylan Wallace is one of the best receivers in the country and leads the Big 12 in receiving yards with 588 and receiving yards per game with 98.0.
However, what may actually be the catalyst to the success of the Cowboys this season is a defense that is 12th overall, 14th in scoring defense, and ninth in yards per play allowed. In five of the six games played by Oklahoma State, the defense held opponents to 21 points or less. The Cowboys defense has five players that recorded four or more tackles for loss. Safeties Tre Sterling and Kolby Harvey-Peel are a couple of defenders on the back end that are dependent as key playmakers as both help power one of the best secondaries in the country.
Oklahoma Analysis
Quarterback Spencer Rattler has had ups and downs this season with mainly ups. The redshirt freshman gunslinger is 12th in the country in passing yards with 2,018 and ninth in passing touchdowns with 18. The youngster has got a lot better in recent games with his decision making and because of that, it has paid off with four straight wins for the Sooners. The tough Sooners offensive line has also been an asset for the offense led by center Creed Humphrey and guard Marquis Hayes. In three of the past four games for the Oklahoma offense, the unit has rushed for over 200 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns has been recorded in those last four games as well.
Between linebacker Nik Bonitto and defensive end Isaiah Thomas, the two have a combined 15.5 tackles for loss along with 10 sacks. Defensive end Ronnie Perkins had an early season suspension but once he returned, his energy and skill set aided the Sooners defense even more. While it has shown slight improvements from last season, the Sooners defensive unit still showed issues early in the season to keep opponents off the scoreboard.
Prediction
The Sooners lead this rivalry convincingly with an 89-18-7 record. As a matter of fact, Oklahoma has won 15 of the last 17 against the Cowboys and Oklahoma State has not won in Norman, Oklahoma since 2014. Key injuries may rear it’s ugly head in the matchup with Rattler, Hubbard, and Wallace all nursing injuries that may keep them out in this one or at the very least, limited in some capacity.
Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders is going to have to be the best quarterback on the field in this one for the Cowboys. His ability to stretch the defense will allow for the Cowboys run game to set a tone. The same can be said for Rattler.
The better defensive unit is unquestionably in favor of Oklahoma State. If they are able to muzzle the Oklahoma offense, it is very possible for the Cowboys to get a victory here. But as the season has unfolded, Oklahoma is finally hitting their stride and starting to play to their potential. Something Oklahoma State cannot quite say at this point due to injuries and a little inconsistency on offense.