Keys to the game
Limit the turnovers- Turnovers haunted the Bearcats vs Baylor especially the turnover on the kickoff by Braden Smith that resulted in a 14-0-point swing in just under 10 seconds of game play. The Bearcats know they have to capitalize on every opportunity especially in a very hostile environment like Stillwater will have on Saturday. Satterfield did mention the Bearcats will potentially look at other options on special teams ahead of this one, and mentioned they expect Ryan Montgomery to be back after missing the last three games with injury. Satterfield also mentioned Montgomery, Xzavier Henderson and DJ Taylor as options after Smith has struggled as of recently on the special team’s aspect.
Stop the run- The Bearcats know they have to stop the run heading into this week as Ollie Gordon is on an absolute tear right now after four straight 100+ yard performances and six touchdowns in that span. However, getting pressure to the Bowman and the Cowboys backfield will be a huge emphasis to this one especially with a very talented running back in Gordon. However, if the Bearcats can find a way to get home and take Gordan out of the picture this game could be very interesting if they make Bowman go to the passing game after losing a key receiver due to injury earlier in the season, the Cowboys are a little shorthanded at that wide receiver position. Keep an eye on the Bearcats defensive front to get home especially if Cowboys offensive lineman Jason Brooks is unavailable to go after being banged up in last week’s win over West Virginia.
Predictions- I think this game will be a lot closer than fans expect it to be as I predict this game will be 35-28 in favor of Oklahoma State. My reason is, this is the biggest definition of a trap game for the Cowboys if I have ever seen one. The Bearcats have struggled this season, and with the Bedlam game vs Oklahoma next week, some may say they have completely overlooked Cincinnati considering it will be the last Bedlam game for some time as Oklahoma heads to the SEC. We had Oklahoma State’s Baxley McClain on our podcast earlier this week and his projected a whole different scenario in favor of the Cowboys, but the Bearcats will look to make a statement on the road and catch the Cowboys sleeping as they search for their first every Big 12 victory.
