In order to stay within striking distance on Saturday, the Cincinnati Bearcats must slow down Oklahoma State Cowboys star running back Ollie Gordon II.
Gordon received Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after racking up a career-high 282 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 29 total carries last weekend.
The Oklahoma State sophomore running back is a dynamic, explosive and physical runner that is likely going to create problems for the Bearcats defense.
With a chance to snap the five-game losing streak, Cincinnati needs to find an offensive rhythm early on and keep the Cowboys rushing attack in check.
It will be integral for the #Bearcats defense to slow down Oklahoma State star running back Ollie Gordon II.https://t.co/cS8m4t3bwM pic.twitter.com/S5yxflEK2V
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) October 27, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Bearcats must slow down Oklahoma State star running back Ollie Gordon II
- Date: Saturday, October 28 at 8:00 PM
- Location: Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater
- Series History: Cowboys lead 2-1
- TV Broadcast: ESPN2 and fuboTV
A stellar performance from the defense could keep the game within reach as defensive linemen Jowon Briggs and Dontay Corleone try to contain Gordon.
It will be also key for Bryan Brown’s defense to limit Oklahoma State’s offense that is led by quarterback Alan Bowman and wide receiver Brennan Presley.
Players to watch are Cincinnati running back duo Corey Kiner and Myles Montgomery, quarterback Emory Jones, linebacker Jadon Thompson and more.
Scott Satterfield’s team must get a quality showing from the offense and limit the Cowboys from being able to create consistent chunk plays on the ground.
Make sure to preview the matchup at Oklahoma State with odds, players to watch and quotes! #Bearcatshttps://t.co/uw5jGQ71sv pic.twitter.com/PZbgdk2F0R
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) October 27, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Preview for the Bearcats upcoming matchup against Oklahoma State
During a recent press conference, Satterfield broke down the defensive game plan against Gordon and the Oklahoma State offense per Cincinnati Athletics.
The matchup marks the fourth meeting between the new conference foes as the Bearcats aim to get on track following a disappointing start to Big 12 play.
"“A lot of it comes up front, with their blocking schemes and our guys fitting right, and really being where we’re supposed to be. He does a good job if somebody is out of position, he has good vision to be able to cut back and hit the open lane. We must have our guys be where they’re supposed to be now. The good news is our guys up front have done a good job in the past with the running game this year, but this will be our biggest test to be able to stop the run this week. A lot of the teams we’ve played so far have not run as consistently as good as Oklahoma State. This will be our biggest test and it starts up front. Their offensive line is good and they have a lot of seniors up front.”"