5 players that will be key to an Oklahoma Sooners win in Bedlam
The build-up to this final iteration of Bedlam has been an interesting one. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State seem to be trending in two different directions.
For Oklahoma, this game has big-time repercussions for the goals they want to accomplish in 2023. A win keeps them in the Big 12 title hunt. A loss creates a far more difficult path.
No one expected Oklahoma State to be a Big 12 contender. They were picked to finish seventh in the Big 12 preseason poll. But the Cowboys have experienced a resurgence since their bye and have won four straight.
The onus falls upon Brent Venables and his staff to right the ship.
Venables knows he and his staff have to coach better, but the Sooners need improved discipline and execution on the field as well.
As Oklahoma looks to get back on the winning side of things, here are five Sooners that will play key roles on Saturday.
Gentry Williams, CB
Oklahoma missed Gentry Williams last week against Kansas. Kani Walker had some positive moments, but there were times Kansas took advantage of Williams’ absence on the outside.
That’s not to say Walker isn’t a capable cornerback but Gentry Williams has established himself as one of the best defenders on this team. He has arguably the highest ceiling of any cornerback on the roster.
As a native Oklahoman, this game will be an emotional one. Williams’ knack for making plays in the run game will serve him well, considering Oklahoma State will look to ride Ollie Gordon to a victory.
Walter Rouse, LT
Walter Rouse will play a big role in this game. It’s his first and last Bedlam experience, but Oklahoma needs his play at left tackle to be up to the same standard we saw earlier in the year.
Jacob Sexton relieved Rouse last week and provided a spark in the run game. Rouse has shown up well in pass pro. On a day when Oklahoma can get back to throwing the ball, he’ll be instrumental in protecting Dillon Gabriel.
Collin Oliver is a smaller EDGE player, but he can disrupt a game if not accounted for. There’s a chance Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo lines up Oliver on both sides, so Rouse will get his shot to slow him down.
Dasan McCullough, Cheetah
Oklahoma’s top transfer add from the offseason is starting to stand out on the field. Dasan McCullough may not have the range that Justin Harrington had to play a lot of snaps in coverage, but McCullough’s length, play strength, size, and speed have made him a hellacious defender against the run.
He’s been phenomenal as a run defender, and against Oklahoma State, they will need him in a big way. If he shows up, Oklahoma’s chances of containing Ollie Gordon go way up.
Tawee Walker, RB
Tawee Walker took a gigantic leap toward establishing himself as the lead running back for the rest of the year after his performance against the Jayhawks.
Unfortunately, that came at a price. He hurt his ankle in the loss. It remains to be seen if he will play on Saturday, but if he does, he will allow Oklahoma to have the balance on offense they desire. He’s not the most dynamic, but he rarely goes down after first contact with his physical running style.
If not, that responsibility trickles down to sophomore Gavin Sawchuk.
Trace Ford, DE
Trace Ford has the distinction of being the only Oklahoma player on the roster who grew up in Oklahoma and played for Oklahoma State. Now Ford gets to play his old teammates.
There was a little chatter between Gundy and Ford through the media over the week. Trace Ford has the chance to have the last laugh over his former coach.
He’ll have to be composed, but we’ll be interested in seeing how he plays on Saturday.
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