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Campus Clash
(12) Utah Utes at (14) Oklahoma State Cowboys
Utah: I’ve been high on this team for the past few years and this season is no different. They are so well coached under Kyle Whittingham and this isn’t an offense that will call trick plays. They are a traditional unit that wants to run the football at you downhill and the Quarterback will do the rest. When I wrote my predictions down, not only did I have them winning the Big 12, I had them as one of the top seeds in the College Football Playoff. The Utah Utes also have one of the best Quarterbacks in all of college football and his name is Cam Rising. I understand he dealt with an injury last year that kept him sidelined throughout the year and I can sit here and say if he were healthy last season, they would’ve given the Washington Huskies a run for their money in the conference could talk about them being a playoff team last year. Against Utah State in week three, they didn’t necessarily look the sharpest. Cam was sidelined with another injury and Kyle had to turn to Issac Wilson to replace the Quarterback. Early on, Utah State gave them all they could handle, but as the game went on, they kept fighting and would eventually win the game by 17 points. Issac threw three touchdown passes and Running Back Micah Bernard also found the end zone. When the Utes are healthy, Cam is a dark horse Heisman candidate and they’re one of the toughest outs in the country. On Saturday afternoon, they’ll travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma for a conference showdown.
Oklahoma State: They’ve always been under the radar, or as many would say the “little brother” to the Oklahoma Sooners. It hasn’t been the prettiest, but they have found ways to win football games this season, including a 35-point beatdown of Tulsa. They scored 21 points in the second quarter which put them in cruise control for the victory. What made this more impressive was not only how dominant they were, it was the fact their best offensive weapon wasn’t at its best, yet they were still able to execute. Yes, I’m talking about Ollie Gordon, the standout Running Back. Ollie’s ability to change speeds amazes me as he can go from a full sprint to a jump cut in the blink of an eye. Watching him, I get a lot of Le’Veon Bell vibes with his game because of the patience he displays and how he allows the lanes to open up, and then he bursts through. Ollie can float through the gaps and get to the next levels of the defense. This Cowboys offense also goes as Alan Bowman goes and he handled his business against Tulsa completing 24 of his 31 pass attempts for 396 yards and five touchdown passes. Even the week before against Arkansas, they needed double overtime to put them away. It’s conference play and they will welcome Kyle Whittingham and the Utah Utes to Stillwater for one of the more intriguing showdowns in the country in week four.
Utah X-Factor: Lander Barton– He was named the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. Since then, his game has taken so many steps and he’s become an intricate part of this Utes defense. Lander can get downhill to rush the passer and he’s that disruptive force every unit wants on that side of the football. He can create fumbles, and tackle in the open field and he’s more than quick enough to get to the football. Lander pays with a high level of intensity and he will be needed in this game on Saturday. His ability to read plays before they even happen is what stands out to me.
Oklahoma State X-Factor: De’Zhaun Stribling– The typical possession receiver. De’Zhaun is a 6’2 Wide Receiver who climbs the ladder to get the football. In other words, he never waits for the ball to find him which means he wants the ball and will go above and beyond to get it. Name the route, he can run it. He’s strong in the screen game, can attack the middle and make the tough catches in traffic and he thrives on those 50-50 situations. Utah’s secondary can have their hands full with De’Zhaun on Saturday afternoon.
Final Thoughts: This has the potential to be a fun game. These are two offenses that can score and run the scoreboard up. Cam Rising is expected to be back for this one which will give Utah a huge boost offensively. On the other side, Oklahoma State has its share of offensive weapons as well. The one thing I’m paying close attention to is how Utah will defend this Cowboys offense. I say this because if they decide to play it safe and load up the box to limit Ollie, Oklahoma State will make this defense pay with the receivers on the outside. Do they load the box or playback? Pay attention to that. This Cowboys defense can be tricky and I say that because they don’t turn up the aggression until they’re in the red zone which I take as bend, but don’t break. They will have their hands full facing a Utah offense that’s the top offense in the red zone in the country. Oklahoma State will give up yards and they will test and force any offense to be patient. If you put the ball in harm’s way, they will capitalize upon that. What version of Bowman shows up on Saturday? That’s another storyline to watch in this game. I like Utah to win this game because they have an advantage at the most important position which is Quarterback and I believe in their rushing attack and run defense.
Prediction: Utah 35, Oklahoma State 27
