Oklahoma State University Athletics
Challenge Awaits the Cowboys in Bedlam
November 16, 2020 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – When No. 14 Oklahoma State heads to Norman to take on No. 18/17 Oklahoma in a primetime conference matchup, the focus for the Cowboys will be playing a complete game in all three phases.
"Offensively we're trying to be compatible with our defense and special teams and we need to play a well-rounded football game," OSU head coach Mike Gundy said. "Defensively this is a real challenge for us this week with the skill sets Oklahoma has on the perimeter and the most athletic quarterback we've played up to this point. Offensively we have to find ways to maneuver and get more points than we've been able to get over the past few weeks."
Since starting the season 1-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play, the Sooners have turned the corner, winning four straight heading into Bedlam. OU quarterback Spencer Rattler has improved throughout the season and is averaging nearly 300 passing yards per game.
"He's a much better player now than he was six weeks ago," Gundy said. "He's getting some games under his belt and getting adjusted a little bit. Obviously he has a strong arm and has some savvy to move around and make some plays with his legs. He's come quite a ways in four or five weeks."
The Oklahoma State secondary will play a large role in trying to slow down a Sooner offense averaging 46.1 points per game this season. The Cowboys are yet to give up 300 yards through the air this season and have held each of their last 10 Big 12 opponents under their season scoring average.
Redshirt senior Rodarius Williams is one of the most battle-tested cornerbacks in the nation. His experience and savvy could be an important factor in the game.
"He's been consistent and he's covered well," Gundy said. "In our defense you have to be able to play man coverage the majority of the time. He's adjusted with coach Knowles' scheme and each year he's gotten better and better. We feel really good about his ability to cover."
The Cowboys come off a bye week that allowed multiple star players to get a week to recover and get healthy. Safety Kolby Harvell-Peel did not travel to the Kansas State game, while Tylan Wallace played only one play and running backs Chuba Hubbard and LD Brown were among a host of OSU players dealing with injuries in that contest.
"We limped our way through Kansas State," Gundy said. "I had real concerns about what direction we were going to go in that game. Fortunately, we got really good play in special teams and defense. I'm hoping that we will have the majority of those guys back."
ESPN's College Gameday will be live from Norman before Saturday's top-20 Bedlam matchup. The game is set for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on ABC.
"Offensively we're trying to be compatible with our defense and special teams and we need to play a well-rounded football game," OSU head coach Mike Gundy said. "Defensively this is a real challenge for us this week with the skill sets Oklahoma has on the perimeter and the most athletic quarterback we've played up to this point. Offensively we have to find ways to maneuver and get more points than we've been able to get over the past few weeks."
Since starting the season 1-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play, the Sooners have turned the corner, winning four straight heading into Bedlam. OU quarterback Spencer Rattler has improved throughout the season and is averaging nearly 300 passing yards per game.
"He's a much better player now than he was six weeks ago," Gundy said. "He's getting some games under his belt and getting adjusted a little bit. Obviously he has a strong arm and has some savvy to move around and make some plays with his legs. He's come quite a ways in four or five weeks."
The Oklahoma State secondary will play a large role in trying to slow down a Sooner offense averaging 46.1 points per game this season. The Cowboys are yet to give up 300 yards through the air this season and have held each of their last 10 Big 12 opponents under their season scoring average.
Redshirt senior Rodarius Williams is one of the most battle-tested cornerbacks in the nation. His experience and savvy could be an important factor in the game.
"He's been consistent and he's covered well," Gundy said. "In our defense you have to be able to play man coverage the majority of the time. He's adjusted with coach Knowles' scheme and each year he's gotten better and better. We feel really good about his ability to cover."
The Cowboys come off a bye week that allowed multiple star players to get a week to recover and get healthy. Safety Kolby Harvell-Peel did not travel to the Kansas State game, while Tylan Wallace played only one play and running backs Chuba Hubbard and LD Brown were among a host of OSU players dealing with injuries in that contest.
"We limped our way through Kansas State," Gundy said. "I had real concerns about what direction we were going to go in that game. Fortunately, we got really good play in special teams and defense. I'm hoping that we will have the majority of those guys back."
ESPN's College Gameday will be live from Norman before Saturday's top-20 Bedlam matchup. The game is set for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on ABC.
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