BEDLAM MATCHUPS
Four key battles to watch Saturday (6:30 p.m., ABC) as OU hosts OSU
Here's a look at four key matchups heading into a highly anticipated Bedlam showdown between No. 14 Oklahoma State and No. 18 Oklahoma at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Owen Field:
OU running back Rhamondre Stevenson vs. OSU linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez
With only two games played, Stevenson already is third on the Sooners' rushing chart with 193 yards, plus another 73 on receptions. He's a 246-pound beast of a back who is hard to bring down. Rodriguez is OSU's third-leading tackler with 38 stops, and when he gets his hands on a ball-carrier, they rarely escape his grasp. Still, the Cowboys haven't faced a back like Stevenson. EDGE: OU
OU tight end Austin Stogner vs. OSU safety Tre Sterling
Stogner is one of the best tight ends around. He's second on the team in both receptions (25) and yards (410), and the Sooners have a knack for slipping him into open space. Sterling plays a variety of roles for the Cowboys, so he won't be the only one covering Stogner. But Sterling was critical in OSU's ability to contain Iowa State tight end Charlie Kolar last month. His coverage skills against bigger players has been exceptional. EDGE: OSU
OSU offensive lineman Josh Sills vs. OU defensive end Ronnie Perkins
After playing exceptionally well at guard, Sills had some ups and downs in his first start at left
tackle against Kansas State. If injured starter Jake Springfield could return for Saturday's game, it would boost the OSU offensive line in its hopes to protect quarterback Spencer Sanders. In Perkins' two games since returning from suspension, he has reminded everyone what made him such a feared pass rusher last year. He already has 1.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss since coming back. EDGE: OU
OSU receiver Tylan Wallace vs. OU cornerback Tre Brown
Wallace is one of the best receivers in the country and one of the best players in the Big 12 at any position. Without him vs. Kansas State, the Cowboy offense struggled. His return from injury is critical to OSU's upset chances. Brown won't be the only Sooner to get a chance at guarding Wallace, but Brown is the Sooners' best cover cornerback and will have his share of opportunities to make plays. EDGE: OSU