Sep 193 min read

No. 12 Utah Utes Meet No. 14 Oklahoma State in Big 12 Clash

Two of the Big 12 Conference favorites will meet in a colossal clash as the No. 12 Utah Utes (3-0) travel to face the No. 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0) at 4 p.m. EST on Sept. 21 in Stillwater, Okla. It is a treat to get a pivotal matchup for these teams' first Big 12 games this early as it could be a potential Big 12 Championship preview.

Utes' quarterback Cam Rising is expected to play and both teams will show exactly what they are made of in this massive test for both sides. The Utes have yet to put together a full game of astounding play, but this will be their chance to cement themselves. The Cowboys have taken on Arkansas and FCS powerhouse South Dakota State, but this will be their biggest challenge yet.

What's at Stake?

With these two teams being the most picked to win the conference, this game has major postseason implications already. A win for either side will put them atop the Big 12 and likely move them up in The Associated Press Top 25 poll. Outside of the Big 12, a win for either side will massively boost their resume for the College Football Playoff committee. With the new 12-team playoff format, a team could lose its conference and still have a chance to get in. A win against a ranked opponent, regardless if they are in the same conference, is valuable insurance in playoff scenarios.

Key Players: Utah Utes

Cam Rising, Quarterback

Rising went down with a hand injury in Week 2 against Baylor and Utes fans know what it is like to lose him all too well. They were able to handle the Utah State Aggies last week with QB Isaac Wilson at the helm, but it wasn't exactly pretty. Rising needs to prove he can stay healthy and play a whole game, which he has yet to do this season. If the Utes want to beat the Cowboys and take back the No. 1 spot in the College Football Dawgs Big 12 power rankings, then Rising is going to have to display his magic once again.

Lander Barton, Linebacker

On Sept. 21, the Utes will be staring across the line of scrimmage at one of the most prolific running backs in college football. Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II is a star, and the Cowboys will use him heavily. Linebacker Lander Barton will be key for the Utes on defense, making sure Gordon II doesn't abuse the team by getting past the second level consistently. This season, Barton has 12 total tackles. However, he will likely be more aggressive in this game due to the matchup and is positioned to have his best game this season.

Key Players: Oklahoma State Cowboys

Ollie Gordon II, Running Back

It has already been established that Gordon II is a star and a massive threat to the Utes' defense. The Cowboys love to run the ball, and the Utes are going to have to deal with it. While he hasn't had over 50 yards rushing since Week 1, the Cowboys will likely feed him the ball against a talented Utah defense. If the Cowboys want to knock off the Utes, then Gordon II will have to have a game similar to Week 1, where he racked up 126 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Trey Rucker, Safety

Trey Rucker has been impressive for the Cowboys this season, leading the team with 39 total tackles and the FBS with 24 solo tackles. In Week 1, Rucker earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. Rucker will be key in keeping the Utes at bay and not allowing explosive plays. His ability to bring offensive players down is a weapon for this defense, and he is going to have to do it well against Utah. Whether it is on the ground or through the air, Rucker seems to consistently make the right plays.

Trends to Watch

Both these teams are trending towards being ranked in the top 10. The Utes are moving slowly due to not having a statement win yet, and the Cowboys are looking to prove they are the best in the Big 12. Rising will need to play the whole game well to convince the fans and the media that Utah is the team they thought it would be this preseason. The Cowboys need to defend their home turf to show that they are the team the media should've been talking about all along.