2017 NCAA Football Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: Preview and Prediction

Oklahoma-Oklahoma State Preview

Author:

Mike Goodpaster

Publish Date:

03/11/2017

Experiences:

The man behind The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State

Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET

TV Channel: FS1

Spread: Oklahoma State -3

It’s time for “Bedlam” again in the state of Oklahoma and the stakes are as high as they have ever been. The winner of this game keeps alive a shot at qualifying for the National Playoffs while the loser will be relegated to a Bowl game. Lets look at this matchup?

Keys to the Game

Mason Rudolph

There is growing concern that there could be something wrong with Oklahoma State Quarterback Mason Rudolph. Rudolph is averaging a shade under seven yards per attempt in his last two games versus Texas and West Virginia. He appears hesitant — or unable — to throw the ball down the field to the burners in his receiving corps. If he can’t throw the ball down the field the Cowboys will be in big-time trouble.

Can Baker Mayfield stretch the field

Mayfield has put up big-time numbers this year, but he hasn’t had as many deep throws like last year. I would think that it’s because of the way opposing defenses are aligning to take the deep throws away, but even taking that into consideration I think that no big-play down-the-field receiver is on this roster and it limits what Mayfield can do offensively.

Can the Cowboys limit the Sooners pass rush

OU pass rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo has been a man among boys all year and with Rudolph’s lack of mobility I think the Sooners will be able to get after Rudolph.

Prediction: I think this game hinges on the Cowboys ability to protect Rudolph and I don’t think they have the line to do that. I look for the Sooners defense ability to pressure the passer and force turnovers to be the difference in this game. I do not see the high score back and forth game most see. I think the game will be played in the 20’s and the Sooners get the win