Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sooners face a stout Cowboys defense
The heat of Bedlam is on for Oklahoma freshman quarterback Caleb Williams.
Oklahoma’s shot at its seventh straight Big 12 title is in jeopardy heading into Saturday’s game at Oklahoma State. If Baylor beats Texas Tech and No. 10 Oklahoma loses to No. 7 Oklahoma State (10-1, 7-1 Big 12), Oklahoma will fall short of the title game and the streak will end.
If Oklahoma wins, there will be a rematch with Oklahoma State for the championship the following week.
Any chances the Sooners (10-1, 7-1) have of reaching the College Football Playoff rest on Williams’ ability to navigate Oklahoma State’s senior-dominated defense. Cowboys defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ unit ranks second nationally in scoring defense, third in total defense and first in third-down defense.
Oklahoma Coach Lincoln Riley believes Williams can handle the pressure, even after rough outings against Baylor and Iowa State the past two weeks.
“It’s just feel for the game, feel for how you’re being defended, feel for what you’ve got to do in given moments to move the football and keep us marching down the field,” Riley said. “His capability mentally and physically is not an issue, really anywhere.”
Even when he struggles, Williams has spectacular moments. Last week, he broke a 74-yard run against Iowa State. For the season, he has completed 66% of his passes with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has rushed for six touchdowns and 6.7 yards per carry.
Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy is most impressed with Williams’ arm strength and athletic ability.
“We’ve faced quarterbacks that have similar qualities this year,” he said. “I’m not sure they all have the same package that he has at once, but we have faced some guys that can move around well in the pocket, they can throw it and can get out and cause some problems; and that’s what he has done.”
Oklahoma State’s defense has kicked it into high gear the past four weeks, allowing just 23 points and one defensive touchdown. That’s why the Cowboys have earned a spot in the Big 12 title game, regardless of today’s outcome. And the Cowboys, like the Sooners, still have an outside shot at the playoff.
But Oklahoma still ranks 10th nationally in scoring offense and has scored at least 50 points four times this season.
“What’s on everybody’s mind is the last couple of games,” Riley said. “We’ve been hit and miss offensively. You know, everybody forgets, we’ve had a lot of moments with this offense, especially the back half the year where we’ve lit people up. We still have that ability. We have that capability.”
Riley said a possible rematch with Oklahoma State doesn’t change much for the Sooners.
“The potential is unique, but it’s on us to win,” he said. “I approach this like every other one.”
Gundy has talked to his team about the odd situation.
“The decision that we made is completely considering the championship game irrelevant and a bonus,” he said. “We’re playing this game like it wasn’t even there, like years ago when we didn’t have a championship.”