Oklahoma State Cowboys at UCF Knights: Three Key Matchups
The Oklahoma State Cowboys have a chance to win a sixth straight game as they travel to Florida to take on the UCF Knights.
Coming off a huge Bedlam win, the Cowboys must avoid any victory hangover and take care of business. The Cowboys, also the No. 15 team in the College Football Playoff rankings, are in a position to win out and make the Big 12 Championship game.
Here are three key matchups as the Cowboys look to take care of business against UCF.
- Oklahoma State run defense vs. UCF rushing attack: UCF enters this matchup with the fourth-best rushing attack in the nation. They've got speed and they're going to be dangerous on the ground.
For the Cowboys, ensuring there are no missed tackles and keeping everything in front of them will be crucial. If they can avoid giving up any big plays and breaking any momentum the Knights gain, they'll be in a good spot.
UCF has 2,044 rushing yards on the season, which is, as mentioned, the fourth most in the nation. They've got 20 rushing touchdowns, too. It's going to be a point of emphasis for the Knights.
- Ollie Gordon vs. UCF defense: One way to combat the Knights' ground-heavy attack is by fighting fire with fire, and Gordon is incredible enough for the Cowboys to do so.
While UCF might be one of the best rushing teams in the nation, Gordon is arguably the best running back in the nation. He leads the FBS in rushing yards with 1,225 rushing yards.
UCF is also one of the worst defenses in the Big 12, which is likely going to lead to this game being a shootout and look for Gordon to expose the Knights as he has a huge game.
- Alan Bowman vs. UCF secondary: The Knights nearly knocked off the Sooners a few weeks back. They didn't allow the Sooners to get into any sort of rhythm, and the Sooners never established a ground game.
UCF only allows an average of just over 200 yards per game in the air. Bowman will have to find ways to dissect the defense and continue to open the game up for Gordon and the run game.
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