Which defense shows up?

Oklahoma State’s defense produced diWerence-making plays in the Missouri and Texas games. At Texas Tech, the Cowboy defense was roasted. Now, OSU faces the balanced and prolific Sooners. The Cowboys have only 13 sacks all season. Can they generate any pressure on OU’s Sam Bradford? On 64 trips inside of their opponents’ 20-yard line, the Sooners have scored 56 touchdowns. For OSU to have a chance, its defense must have its best performance of the season.

The run game and the clock

If OSU had not abandoned its ground game during the fourth period of the Texas game, the Cowboys might have beaten the then-No. 1-ranked Longhorns. OU has a solid run defense, but not a great run defense. If Kendall Hunter can reach his average of 130 rushing yards and the Cowboys can match their team average of 261, Saturday’s game could be very interesting. Running eWectively burns the clock and keeps Bradford and the Sooner oWense on the sideline.

Secondary playmakers

OSU wide receiver Dez Bryant is the most dynamic playmaker in Saturday’s game. He averages 111 receiving yards and has scored 18 touchdowns, but was neutralized by Missouri, Texas and Texas Tech. OU has the personnel and coaching to make it a di`cult Saturday night for Bryant. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew is a tremendous short- and medium-yardage option for Zac Robinson, but the other Cowboy wide receivers must make downfield plays when Bryant is blanketed by two defenders.