Game To Watch: #10 Oklahoma at #7 Oklahoma State: November 27, 2021

Oklahoma will visit Oklahoma State for Bedlam on Saturday at 7:30 EST. The Sooners are 10 – 1 overall and 7 – 1 in conference after a 28 – 21 win over Iowa State last week. The Cowboys are also 10 – 1 and 7- 1 in conference play after a 23 – 0 shutout win against Texas Tech last week. Both teams have only lost once this year and are playing to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Recent History

Oklahoma is 90 – 18 – 7 all time against Oklahoma State. The Sooners have won six straight and five of those six wins were by double digits. Oklahoma won last year’s match-up in dominant fashion, 41 – 13 at home. The Cowboys last win in the series was a 38 – 35 road win in 2014. Lincoln Riley has never lost to Oklahoma State during his tenure as Oklahoma’s coach.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

Can Caleb Williams Get Back on Track?

Caleb Williams had a story book beginning to his Oklahoma career. He replaced Spencer Rattler against rival Texas and led the team to a come from behind 55 – 48 win. Williams won his next three starts completing over 75 percent of his passes in all three games while throwing 12 touchdowns and just 1 interception. After the bye week however, Williams has been unable to find a rhythm in the passing game. Against Baylor and Iowa state he has completed less than 50 percent of his passes and thrown 1 touchdown against 3 interceptions. Williams was benched in the loss against Baylor, but made enough plays with his legs to lead the Sooners to a win over Iowa State. Oklahoma State has the best defense in the Big 12. They lead the Big 12 in scoring defense, total defense, passing defense and rushing defense, giving up just 14.9 points per game, 4.3 yards per play, 2.6 yards per carry and 6.2 yards per pass attempt. This will be the toughest defense Caleb Williams has faced to date and Oklahoma will need him to get back on track throwing the ball for them to win this game.

Will Oklahoma State Dominate on the Ground?

Oklahoma’s run defense has been very sound for almost the entire season. The Sooners held every opponent this year under 200 rushing yards, except for Baylor who steamrolled their way to 297 yards on the ground at 6.3 yards per carry. That running game allowed the Bears to dictate the tempo of the game and wear down the Sooners, resulting in Oklahoma’s only loss of the season. They will face an Oklahoma State offense that has not been consistent running the ball, but has proven they can put together big games on the ground. The Cowboys have gone over 200 rushing yards five times this year, including such performances against Baylor, Boise State and Texas. Two weeks ago the Oklahoma State running attack proved just how dominant they can be with a 447 yard performance against TCU. The Cowboys will look to mimic Baylor’s success running the ball against Oklahoma to wear down the Sooners and also keep their own defense fresh as it attempts to contain the Oklahoma offense.

Will Oklahoma State’s Pass Rush Rule the Day?

Oklahoma State features the best pass rush in the Big 12. The Cowboys have accumulated 42 sacks through 11 games this year, leading the Big 12 by 12 sacks over Baylor. Star freshman defensive end, Colin Oliver, leads the way with 6.5 sacks for a defense that spreads the wealth, pressuring the quarterback from all angles to get the job done. The Cowboys pressure opposing quarterbacks, forcing mistakes and stalling drives by getting the opposing offense off schedule. Oklahoma has struggled to protect the quarterback this year. The Sooners are second worst in the Big 12 with 27 sacks allowed so far this year. The constant pressure on the quarterback has made it difficult for the offense to establish a rhythm and dominate the way it has in the past. Oklahoma will have to slow down the Oklahoma State pass rush, otherwise it will be a tough day for Williams and the offense.

Prediction

Oklahoma State’s defense is good enough to control the game early and allow the Cowboys to establish their running attack. Oklahoma’s been in a funk offensively, but the individual talent is there and will make a few big plays to keep them in the game. The Oklahoma defense has played well, but Oklahoma State’s defense will allow them to stay committed to the run game and wear the Sooners down over four quarters. Oklahoma State 24 Oklahoma 17.

Boone Pickens Stadium – Night.jpg image taken by XStewart2007 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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