Oklahoma State vs. Cincinnati: Three Key Matchups
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The Oklahoma State Cowboys are hosting the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday for their homecoming. For the Cowboys, it's an opportunity to win their fourth straight game and take serious momentum into the final Bedlam which follows the matchup against the Bearcats.
On the other side, the Bearcats are searching for their first Big 12 win after their 0-4 conference start. The Cowboys will be looking to take care of business at home in the meantime.
Here are three key matchups for the Cowboys as they look to take care of business on homecoming on Saturday.
Oklahoma State offensive line vs. Cincinnati front seven: Mike Gundy referenced the Bearcats' front seven as the toughest they're going to have seen this season. The offensive line is going to have to continue performing at a solid level for the Cowboys offense to continue showing out.
If Alan Bowman is constantly getting pressured and the middle of the field is being taken away, the Cowboys could have some struggles offensively and will have to lean on the defense.
Ollie Gordon vs. Cincinnati defense: This is on par with the previous selection. That front seven is going to be mean and the Cowboys, particularly Gordon, will have to find their ways around it.
Fortunately for the Cowboys, Gordon is a star and will find a way to be impactful for the team. The extent of his impact, however, is unknown. Watching how Gordon approaches this game will be entertaining.
Oklahoma State defense vs. Cincinnati offense: Nick Martin, Collin Oliver and Kendal Daniels have all stood out with this solid Oklahoma State defense, but to see the team continually make big plays through this game will be huge.
The defense has had a midseason turnaround, too, as there are much fewer missed tackles from the Cowboys and they've been coming away with more and more takeaways, which has helped the team turn things around on the season.
Bearcats quarterback Emory Jones has eight interceptions on the season, and if the Cowboys' 3-3-5 defense can force him into more, coming away with the home victory will be much, much easier.
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