BYU Cougars vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys: Three Key Players
The Oklahoma State Cowboys will look to clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday when it takes on the BYU Cougars at 2:30 p.m. inside Boone Pickens Stadium.
With a spot in the conference championship on the line, the offense, defense and special teams will have to be on point against the Cougars, but these three players will have to play a major part on Saturday.
Ollie Gordon
Gordon is going to be a key player in every game until someone figures out how to stop him. The sophomore leads the nation in the rushing yards, including averaging just under seven yards per carry.
BYU comes in No. 109 ranked in the country in rushing defense, giving up 175 rushing yards per game. Gordon and the Cowboy offensive line have to take advantage of that on Saturday.
Whether could play a factor on Saturday. The last time that happened to Gordon and the offense, they were stagnant. OSU will have to run the ball effectively if it turns into a wet game, especially Gordon.
Nick Martin
Another option team means another important game from the sophomore linebacker. Martin had 12 tackles last week against Houston, including three tackles for loss and 1 sack.
Last Saturday’s game marked the fifth time this season that Martin has recorded double-digit tackles in a game.
Mike Gundy said on Monday that BYU likes to do different types of option concepts. Martin will have to stay disciplined on Saturday to give the Cowboys a chance.
Brennan Presley
Presley had a career day last week, collecting 15 catches for 189 yards against Houston. It is the most receiving yards he has had in a game in his career at Oklahoma State.
BYU comes in giving up over 232 passing yards per game this season, which No. 75 ranked in the country.
Allen Bowman’s favorite target was Presley, and look for that to continue on Saturday.
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Nick is a sports media student at Oklahoma State University, where he also minors Sports Managment. He has covered OSU softball for 107.7 The Franchise and also covers Oklahoma high school football for Enid News & Eagle.