In one of the biggest Bedlam games in years, OU will be the underdog going on the road to try to upset the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Last week, the Sooners have finally proved they can win on the road, but Saturday’s environment — and opponent — will most likely be more difficult.
In a game that will determine the Big 12 South champion, here is what OU needs to do to come away with a second-consecutive road win:
» Stay composed.
The Sooners have a tendency to get too wired up or too tense on the road. This has led to costly unforced errors and, for the last two years, losses.
Stillwater is going to be a hostile environment, and the rivalry aspect of the game is sure to get every player’s blood flowing. Taking that excitement and controlling it, especially for OU’s young contributors, will be crucial if the team wants to win.
» Don’t over-compensate for Blackmon.
OSU sophomore Justin Blackmon is one of the top wide receivers in the nation, and his statistics reflect that. That said, he is likely to get his big numbers regardless, similar to how OU junior wide receiver Ryan Broyles rarely gets fewer than ten catches and 100 yards in a game.
Stopping Blackmon will mean nothing if the other two parts of the Cowboys’ skill position trio go unchecked. OSU senior running back Kendall Hunter is fourth in the nation in rushing yards per game with more than 130, and junior quarterback Brandon Weeden has proven he can hit other targets besides just Blackmon.
The Sooners have to get a good pass rush on Weeden and stop the run, or they’ll lose no matter what Blackmon does.
» Continue the balanced offensive attack.
Since the Texas A&M game, when the Sooners were beaten partially by an over-reliance on a few players to produce, the team has unleashed a variety of offensive schemes to put other players in positions to succeed.
It will be crucial for players like freshmen wide receivers Kenny Stills and Trey Franks, as well as freshmen running backs Roy Finch and Brennan Clay, to contribute to the offensive balance so OSU can’t focus too much attention on senior running back DeMarco Murray or Broyles.
— Aaron Colen, journalism senior
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