COWBOYS' 3-2-1 KICK OFF

Here's a look at some keys to keep an eye on when No. 14-ranked Oklahoma State faces Bedlam rival No. 18-ranked OU on Saturday.

3 players to watch

Chuba Hubbard: A Heisman contender last season, Hubbard has rushed for just 581 yards and five touchdowns this season. Against Kansas State, he wasn't 100% either. Before then, there were signs he was rounding into form. The Cowboys are going to need their star to be his old self again against a stout Sooners defensive line.

Amen Ogbongbemiga: The Sooners are running the ball better with the return of Rhamondre Stevenson. Slowing that attack down will take more than just the Cowboys' talented defensive line. Ogbongbemiga is a steady force in the middle of the defense at linebacker who is charged with stopping the run while also watching quarterback Spencer Rattler. Josh Sills: The transfer from West Virginia has become a key leader in a short amount of time. But his sudden move to left tackle hasn't been as smooth. Sills fits better at guard. But with OSU short three offensive linemen due to injury, he's charged with playing out of position and leading a young line.

2 big questions

Are the Cowboys healthy?

Three offensive linemen are hurt. Star Tylan Wallace did not play against Kansas State two weeks ago, except an onside kick recovery late. Safety Kolby Harvell-Peel is hurt. Hubbard is banged up. So is backup running back LD Brown, who is having a breakout season. The Cowboys entered their bye week wounded. But if they got at least a little healthy, they are closer to the form earlier in the season that had them near the top 5.

Can the OSU offensive line hold up? Against Kansas State, the Cowboys offensive line struggled. OSU totaled just 148 yards on 40 carries. Spencer Sanders passed for just 108. Injuries played a massive part. Pistols Firing reported Wednesday that freshman tackle Jake Springfield could play this week. That would be huge.

If not, offensive line coach Charlie Dickey had two weeks to prepare for OU's motion-filled front line. That should give him enough time to cook up something.

1 wild prediction

Hubbard scores three TDs. Hubbard has scored more than one touchdown just once in a game this season — in the rout of Kansas. But on a day the biggest worry is the Cowboys' offensive line, he erases doubt with a huge day.