A lot on the line in Oklahoma
Keys for Oklahoma State
Throw on first down: Oklahoma will gear up to stop Chuba Hubbard and the Oklahoma State rushing attack, especially on early downs. Oklahoma State can create room for Hubbard later in the game by throwing early and often, even on first and second down. The Cowboys need to utilize play-action and give quarterback Spencer Sanders some easy completions on first down to build confidence. Gundy’s squad must avoid third-and-long situations, and that is accomplished by not being predictable.
Force Oklahoma to drive: No big plays. That needs to be the mantra for the Oklahoma State defense in the contest against the always high-flying Sooners offense. Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler is still a young, inexperienced player who can get loose with the football. Oklahoma State must force Oklahoma into long, hard-fought drives rather than allowing the Sooners to race down the football field with big plays to talented receivers like Marvin Mims and Theo Wease Jr.
Keys for Oklahoma
Run the football: Lincoln Riley offenses are known for quarterback play, but this Oklahoma offense is most dangerous when it is balanced between the run and the pass. That’ll be especially true against Oklahoma State, which sports arguably the best defense in the Big 12. Oklahoma running back T.J. Pledger is fifth in the Big 12 with 393 rushing yards. The less pressure placed on Rattler, the better.
Financial Marketserback: The glaring weak spot for Oklahoma State is their offensive line, as evidenced by the success Texas had rushing quarterback Spencer Sanders in the only loss so far for Oklahoma State in 2020. Oklahoma needs to replicate Texas’ defense strategy by getting after Sanders. The Sooners defense can start getting after the quarterback if Oklahoma can stop Hubbard and the rushing attack on first and second down.