Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Oklahoma Sooners: Three Key Matchups

For many reasons, the final in-state matchup between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma will be electric. Both the Cowboys and Sooners are among the five teams tied atop the Big 12 standings. 

The last Bedlam for the foreseeable future holds real weight in how the rest of the Big 12 football season plays out. Both teams are ranked in the College Football Playoff rankings. The way everything is shaping out, the final matchup between these two teams could be electric.

Here are three key matchups for the Cowboys as they try and upset the Sooners. 

- Ollie Gordon vs. Oklahoma run defense: This one feels obvious, right? Gordon has been the backbone of the Cowboys during their four-game winning streak this season. He's got the ability to absolutely transform this game for the Cowboys.

Last week, the Sooners struggled to stop the Kansas Jayhawks from running the ball. The Jayhawks took 41 carries for 225 yards and four touchdowns. This was a huge issue for the Sooners who opted not to air the ball out.

This weekend, the weather will be perfect and one has to assume the Sooners will get back to their air raid. Gordon is going to have to do what he has done for the entire win streak and put up incredible numbers. Also, monitoring the injury of Danny Stutsman will be huge, as it leaves a hole in Oklahoma's defense. 

Oklahoma State receivers vs. Oklahoma secondary: With Gordon likely going to be a point of emphasis, the Cowboys will have to be able to air the ball out themselves. The Cowboys receivers will play a huge part in this. 

With the emergence of Leon Johnson, this one could get interesting. The receiving corps will have to stand out for the Cowboys. Alan Bowman will need some help as this Sooners' defense is capable of closing the pocket and making things uncomfortable.

If the Cowboys want to match the Sooners' offense, the receiving corps getting open and making plays will be key.

Oklahoma State secondary vs. Dillon Gabriel: As mentioned, the Sooners are going to be airing the ball out much more this week. They'll test a secondary that has been shaky at times this season and has dealt with some blown coverages. 

Gabriel has shown his ability to dissect a defense as he led the Sooners to a game-winning drive against the Texas Longhorns a few weeks back. He nearly did so again last week against Kansas, which proved the Sooner should have probably been throwing the ball more.

If the secondary can force some turnovers and shut down some drives in the air, the Cowboys' defense would be doing the offense a huge favor in this one. 

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