Utah vs Oklahoma State is set to be a thrilling showdown with both teams entering the game undefeated. This much-anticipated ranked match-up will have a significant impact on the Big 12 conference. It’s only the second time these two teams have faced each other, with their last encounter in 1945 ending in a 46-6 victory for Oklahoma State. However, this week’s game is expected to be a much closer battle.
Oklahoma States’ Ollie Gordon
For Oklahoma State, the key will be what star running back Ollie Gordon II. After his previous breakout season, we expect him to have Heisman potential this season. Despite tying for third in rushing attempts, Gordon got off to a slow seasonal start. He failed to produce 50 yards on the ground in his last two games. He only had one touchdown since scoring three in the season’s first game. Luckily, Cowboys fans have seen this before. Gordon saves his best for conference play. Last season saw him with only one game over 50 yards in his first three games. That was before erupting for 121 yards against Iowa State in week four. If this season mirrors last season, Gordon could lead the country in rushing despite a slow start.
Gordon & Bowman
Despite Gordon’s ineffective running game, he opens the passing game. The Cowboys rank in the top three in passing yards. Gordon’s running threat opens up play-action and one-on-one match-ups for wide receivers Rashod Owens, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Brennan Presley. This also makes quarterback Alan Bowman’s job easier. In last week’s game against Tulsa, Bowman was able to throw for 396 yards and five touchdowns.
Kyle Whittingham
There is not much that Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has not seen in college football. Whittingham is going into his year 20th as head coach. He ties Gundy as the second longest-tenured head coach in college football. Despite going into a new year and conference, this season could mirror its last. It is a program with high expectations. Unfortunately, starting quarterback Cam Rising’s injury may slow the season down. Rising’s Saturday game status is questionable. Still, he is the biggest X-factor for Utah.
Perfect for the Program
Both quarterbacks are perfect fits for the program. Their most important asset is experience. Rising and Bowman are the oldest starting quarterbacks in college football. Rising shared two Pac-12 titles with Whittingham. Then there is Bowman. He finished last season with a Big 12 title berth and a bowl-game win. Without Rising, Utah loses its biggest advantage. They turn to a starter with one start in his career, freshman quarterback Issac Wilson. Wilson is the brother of former BYU star and Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson. We expect Wilson to be the quarterback of the future for the Utes. Wilson threw for three touchdowns in his first start. On the road against Oklahoma State is a bigger challenge than Utah State. Oklahoma State loses star rusher Colin Oliver. Despite that loss, Nick Martin, Obi Ezeigbo, and Tre Rucker help force turnovers on defense. What if Rising cannot go? Running back Micah Benard, tight end Brant Kuithe, and receivers Dorian Singer and Money Parks will have to make his job easier.
CAPE ratings
Last year, Mike Gundy ranked 49th out of 133 coaches in our CAPE ratings (Coaching Above Performance Expectations). His team beat our spread by an average of 1 point per game. Kyle Whittingham finished 65th with his team performing at expectations. This is incredible, considering Cam Rising missed most of last year. Will Oklahoma State’s passing or running game lead the way against Utah? Which quarterback will start for Utah? Find out with University Foot-ball.
Author – Tarohn Finley
