Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Texas Longhorns: Keys To The Game

The Texas Longhorns have a chance to win the Big 12 for first time since 2009 on Saturday against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The No.7 Texas Longhorns have been in the discussion for the College Football Playoff all season long, but first, they need to finish the deal in Big 12 play. 

They have just one game remaining, which will be taking place this Saturday in Arlington against No. 18 Oklahoma State. The winner wins the Big 12 title, which for Texas is the next thing on their bucket list this season, and is the last thing they can do to make a case for the College Football Playoff. The Cowboys have had Texas' number as of late, winning seven of the last 10 meetings, including the last two meetings in a row. 

This offense isn't the high-octane aerial attack we have seen from past Oklahoma State teams, but instead is led by workhorse running back Ollie Gordon II. Their defense also isn't nearly as stout, which should allow Texas to capitalize if they get things going early. 

So what do the Longhorns have to do to leave Arlington victorious? Let's examine:

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers against TCU / © Jerome Miron, USA TODAY

Texas wins if...

... It stops the run.

Gordon is quite literally their main plan of attack of offense, and they will feed him nonstop. He leads the country in rushing yards with 1,580 and is second in rushing touchdowns with 20. If the Longhorns' defense, which ranks No. 4 in the country in run defense, can continue its dominance, it will force the Cowboys to turn to what has been an inconsistent passing attack. 

Oklahoma State wins if...

...Texas doesn't play a complete game

We have seen Texas build and lose 20-point leads on multiple occasions this season, and if they build a lead and let up, this Cowboys team can make them pay. They beat the same Oklahoma team Texas struggled against after the Sooners couldn't close out the game, and they took advantage of turnovers. Also, if Texas doesn't play a complete game, they will also set themselves up to have a single play, call, or bounce end up derailing their season.