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Oklahoma State football: 5 keys to a Bedlam victory vs. the Sooners

By John Scimeca

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 30: Cornerback Parnell Motley #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners rushes for four yards against linebacker Kevin Henry #33 and safety Kolby Harvell-Peel #31 the Oklahoma State Cowboys on the final play of the game on November 30, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OU won 34-16. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 30: Cornerback Parnell Motley #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners rushes for four yards against linebacker Kevin Henry #33 and safety Kolby Harvell-Peel #31 the Oklahoma State Cowboys on the final play of the game on November 30, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OU won 34-16. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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STILLWATER, OK – NOVEMBER 30: Outside linebacker David Ugwoegbu #34 of the Oklahoma Sooners pressures punter Tom Hutton #29 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys on a 46-yard punt in the third quarter on November 30, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OU won 34-16. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – NOVEMBER 30: Outside linebacker David Ugwoegbu #34 of the Oklahoma Sooners pressures punter Tom Hutton #29 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys on a 46-yard punt in the third quarter on November 30, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OU won 34-16. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

5. Pressure the quarterback.

Caleb Williams has been sensational this season since supplanting Spencer Rattler as OU’s star quarterback from the Red River Shootout. He’s shown his human side, though, in the past two weeks during OU’s games against Iowa State and Baylor.

The key to slowing down Williams has been pressuring him off the pass rush. In each of the games against the Cyclones and the Bears, Williams was sacked at least three times. While he missed some game time due to injury, Williams only completed a combined 17-of-36 passes in these two games, including three interceptions.

Making OU’s wunderkind quarterback uncomfortable will be crucial for Knowles’ defense on Saturday night. If not, the Washington, D.C. native could exploit the OSU secondary for some of his signature big plays down the field.

4. Take care of the football. 

OSU quarterback Spencer Sanders has thrown for nine touchdowns and only one interception in his past five games, helping the Cowboys to absolutely demolish several conference foes.

Sanders has improved in his decision-making this year, showing his ability to scramble, to throw the ball away when necessary, and to avoid a costly turnover.

OSU can’t afford to give OU a short field on Saturday night to give Lincoln Riley’s squad confidence. With field position at a premium against one of the nation’s strongest defenses, it’s imperative that the Cowboys take care of the ball on offense.

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