No. 12 Utah opens Big 12 schedule with No. 14 Oklahoma State: Game preview

The highly anticipated clash between the Utah Utes and Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, September 21st at Boone Pickens Stadium is a pivotal moment for both teams as they begin their Big 12 conference play. The game, which kicks off at 4 p.m. ET and will be televised on FOX, has significant implications for both teams in their quest for conference supremacy.

Utah enters the game ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll and No. 10 in the Coaches Poll, continuing its impressive streak of being ranked in the top 15 for the 67th time since 2005. The Utes are off to a strong start to the season, leading the Big 12 in several key defensive categories, including third-down defense, where they have limited opponents to a 22.2% success rate. They also rank first in first downs allowed, team passing efficiency and sacks, averaging 3.33 per game.

Under head coach Kyle Whittingham, who is in his 20th season, the Utes have built a culture of consistent success. Whittingham is the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12 and the second-longest in the FBS, winning in 17 of his 19 seasons. Utah was voted the Big 12 champion in its first year in the conference, thanks largely to its experience, depth and player development.

What Utah’s Kyle Whittingham said before the game against Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State, on the other hand, is ranked 14th and is coming off a strong out-of-conference performance. The Cowboys have outscored their opponents 128-61 in three games, including a double-overtime win over Arkansas and a blowout victory over Tulsa. Utah is their biggest challenge yet, however, and this game could be crucial to their College Football Playoff chances.

From a recruiting perspective, both Utah and Oklahoma State have been consistently solid, often finishing their classes in the 30s. The two programs are excellent at developing talent, and this matchup will showcase comparable recruiting strengths at various position groups. Utah has a slight edge in talent averages, with standout players like linebacker Lander Barton and offensive tackle Spencer Fano leading the way, but the Cowboys have their own stars, including linebacker Kendal Daniels and wide receiver Talyn Shettron.

One of the most exciting individual matchups will be between Oklahoma State’s standout running back Ollie Gordon and Utah linebacker Lander Barton. Gordon, a game-changing talent, was somewhat suppressed early in the season but remains a significant threat. Barton, who will lead the Utes’ defense in the absence of Karene Reid, will play a key role in containing Gordon and preventing the Cowboys from establishing a strong running game.

What Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy said about Utah before the Top 25 duel

Another crucial battle will be between Utah quarterback Cam Rising and Oklahoma State’s defense, particularly Kendal Daniels, a versatile linebacker and former safety. Daniels’ ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage and from multiple angles is something Rising will have to factor in to keep the Utes’ offense on track.

Oklahoma State’s defense, which uses a 3-3-5 system, will challenge Utah’s offensive line, especially in the trenches. The Cowboys like to create chaos up front while keeping their secondary defenders ready for anything. Utah’s offensive line has been solid so far this season, but will face its toughest test against Oklahoma State’s aggressive front seven.

Oklahoma State will look to pull off a convincing win and improve its chances of winning the CFP title, and will need strong performances from players like quarterback Alan Bowman, who has thrown for 967 yards in three games, and their dynamic receivers, which include De’Zhaun Stribling and Brennan Presley. Utah, on the other hand, will rely on its proven stars, including Cam Rising, to pull off a convincing win in its first Big 12 game.

There’s a lot at stake for both teams, and the atmosphere will be electric in Stillwater, where the Cowboys have dominated in recent years. The winner of this matchup could well position themselves as the favorite for the Big 12 championship.