Campus Clash
(13) Oklahoma Sooners at (9) Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma: I was expecting a little bit more from them against Iowa State in week 12. The Saturday before, they were embarrassed at the hands of Dave Aranda’s Baylor Bears. Looking back at every game before that one, what was the one thing you always noticed about their offense? Not only were they taking care of the ball, you never saw anyone come close to bringing down Caleb Williams. That wasn’t the case that game against Baylor. When I saw they would be back home against the Iowa State Cyclones, I remember saying on the radio I could see them coming out with sense of urgency. I saw everything but that. Caleb wasn’t sharp as he’s been since being named the starting quarterback and this was a game they had to grind out to get by. At least Kennedy Brooks came to play. He put up some nice numbers against a team that’s been a thorn in their side in recent years. Despite the wild year, the Oklahoma Sooners can still claim another share of the Big-12 conference title, play in the Big-12 championship game and win yet another Big-12 title. Who would’ve thought after a mid-season quarterback change, this would still be the scenario for them? Then again, they have run the conference for years now. On Saturday night, they will travel to Stillwater for another edition of Bedlam.
Oklahoma State: I’ve enjoyed watching them this year. Now, hear me out. They play in a conference where most of the teams have one thing in common. That’s scoring in bunches and bunches. I’ve often compared many of the offenses in the Big-12 to basketball teams because of the way they space the receivers out and stretch the field. It’s lots of explosive plays. They are somewhat of the opposite. Mike Gundy’s offense prides itself on running the football and controlling the clock. Also, they’ve had a stingy defense that’s been able to keep them in games as well. The Cowboys can rush the passer and the secondary plays well. The offense doesn’t ask for much from quarterback Spencer Sanders. Control things, take care of the ball, hand it off and the defense will handle the rest. Speaking of the defense, did you all see what they did against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in week 12? They shut down those Red Raiders and it was their first shut out in a conference game since 1995. Just how good has this Oklahoma State defense been? They have allowed just one offensive touchdown in their last four games. It continues to be their mantra this season. I’ve been impressed. They will host those in-state rivals on Saturday evening.
Oklahoma X-Factor: Kennedy Brooks– I like what he brings to the table. When you watch Kennedy closely, he doesn’t necessarily look remarkable or special. Then, you look up and he’s 25 to 30 yards down the field so it’s safe to say the kid has some burst to him. Kennedy is a strong down hill runner. He plays with that bruising edge to him. When I watch him play, I’m reminded a lot of Nick Chubb. He just gets on the field and does what he does to get those contact yards.
Oklahoma State X-Factor: Malcolm Rodriguez– Would you believe me if I told you he was a quarterback at one time? When he made the transition to defense, he first started as a safety, then made the change to linebacker and hasn’t looked back since then. Malcolm has become the best defensive player in the conference and by far the most important player for the Cowboys defense. He’s a tackling machine that averages close to 14 tackles per contest. I look for him to have the defense ready for this one.
Final Thoughts: This could potentially be the final meeting between these two as Oklahoma is gearing up to leave for the SEC in a few years. I’ve always enjoyed this matchup. I think of the 2017 showdown when Baker Mayfield put the finishing touches on a Heisman campaign and helped the Sooners offense score 62 points in Stillwater. The Sooners offensive line must keep Caleb protected. If Baylor did such a great job getting after him, what makes you think Oklahoma State can’t do the same? The best way to attack stingy defenses is with speed and the quick passing game. Oklahoma State must continue to do what’s put them in this position. Running the football. Oklahoma struggles to stop the run. What Caleb shows up for the Sooners? The one who was tearing defenses up left and right or will it be the one who’s struggled?
Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Oklahoma State 28
