The Oklahoman

3-2-1 KICK OFF

- Scott Wright, Staff writer

Here's a look at some keys to keep an eye on when Oklahoma State visits Iowa State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday on FS1:

Three players to watch

Amen Ogbongbemi­ga: The Cowboys' middle linebacker will often be fixated on Iowa State quarterbac­k Brock Purdy, whether Ogbongbemi­ga is blitzing or pursuing Purdy when he runs.

Jelani Woods: Woods caught five passes a week ago. Could this be the emergence of the big Cowboy back as a serious passing target, particular­ly on short, quick routes?

Teven Jenkins: The junior offensive lineman will play a key role up front for the Cowboys in handling Iowa State's pass rush. Depending on Dylan Galloway's health status, Jenkins could start at left tackle, or move back to his natural position at right tackle. In either spot, his protection will be critical.

Two big questions

Can Oklahoma State limit

turnovers? Redshirt freshman quarterbac­k Spencer Sanders has been part of eight turnovers — four fumbles and four intercepti­ons — in the past two games, though he isn't fully to blame for all of them. Bad protection and bad luck have factored in at times. But if OSU is going to go on the road and pull an upset, Sanders and the Pokes must protect the ball.

Will Purdy feast on an OSU defense that has been hit for

big plays in recent games? The Iowa State offense wasn't putting up big numbers early, but has been on a roll in October, posting more than 40 points per game. OSU has given up some big plays lately, and tackling has been an issue as well.

One wild prediction

Chuba Hubbard gets 40

touches. In some form or another, the ball will make its way into Hubbard's hands 40 times. Searching for a win in the worst way, Oklahoma State will feed its superstar running back in hopes of not only getting production, but also loosening up the Iowa State secondary.

 ?? PHIPPS/ THE OKLAHOMAN] ?? Oklahoma State's Amen Ogbongbemi­ga (11) will play a key role in containing Iowa State quarterbac­k Brock Purdy on Saturday. [SARAH
PHIPPS/ THE OKLAHOMAN] Oklahoma State's Amen Ogbongbemi­ga (11) will play a key role in containing Iowa State quarterbac­k Brock Purdy on Saturday. [SARAH

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