Oklahoma Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Oklahoma State in Week 10

Saturday’s version of Bedlam between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma football will be one of the best games of Week 10.

Oklahoma football travels to Stillwater on Saturday for a huge Big 12 showdown with Oklahoma State. Bedlam is always a heated affair, but the 2017 version may end up being one of the best ever. Much is on the line as the two rivals battle for the top spot in the conference, as well as keeping alive hopes of a College Football Playoff appearance.

Two of the nation’s best quarterbacks will be on display as will a plethora of offensive talent. The Cowboys’ Mason Rudolph and Sooners’ Baker Mayfield have been outstanding. Both have thrown for over 2,500 yards, with Mayfield firing 23 touchdowns passes on the year, to Rudolph’s 22. While the quarterbacks are in the Heisman discussion, talent at other positions will likely determine Saturday’s winner.

James Washington leads a talented corps of Oklahoma State receivers. The senior has eight scoring grabs and 1,005 yards through eight games. He’s made several big plays on the year, and Rudolph will likely look to his favorite target for more on Saturday.

Rodney Anderson emerged as a viable threat in the Sooners’ backfield during their 49-27 win over Texas Tech on Saturday. The freshman earned co-Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors with his 181-yard rushing performance. Look for Anderson to get more carries and opportunities to shine this week in Stillwater.

The winner of this game remains in contention for a playoff spot. The loser collects its second loss on the year and will be fighting for a top bowl bid. Plenty will be on the line. That’s why they call it Bedlam. How much more entertaining can it get?

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Oklahoma at Oklahoma State showdown:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 4
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Stillwater, Okla.
Venue: Boone Pickens Stadium
TV: FOX Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports GO

Keys to Victory

Offenses will be on display. But the defense that gets the most stops will determine the winner. Oklahoma ranks first in the NCAA in total offense at 586.1 yards per game. The Cowboys are right behind with 569.3 yards per game, ranking third. Both teams average over 42 points per game. It has the makings of a track meet. Defensive stops will be at a premium. The team that can get stops and force turnovers should win. These teams don’t want to give the other’s offense a short field.

Who will win the quarterback battle? Will Mayfield outshine Rudolph? Which team runs the ball better. If the Cowboys get a big day from Justice Hill, it makes Rudolph’s job easier. The Sooners will have to stop Hill and force the Pokes to be one-dimensional.

Without getting complicated, turnovers and quarterback play will determine the winner. The team with the fewest turnovers, and best quarterback play will lead his team to a Bedlam win.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 9

Prediction

I’ve been going back and forth on this one for days. It’s literally a coin flip game. Mayfield showed he can lead his team into a hostile environment and win. His win over Ohio State in September only gets more impressive as the Buckeyes flex their muscles. Mayfield is the X-factor and the Sooners seem to have found a spark at running back in Anderson. A big day from both, plus a solid outing from the Oklahoma defense is the difference.

Final Score: Oklahoma 38, Oklahoma State 34