OSU 3-2-1 kickoff: What can Ollie Gordon do vs. Cincinnati to top last week's show?

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State is set on continuing a couple of streaks on Saturday.

The Cowboys have won three straight games and Cincinnati has lost five straight as it adjusts to life in the Big 12.

The Pokes and Bearcats meet at 7 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium, televised by ESPN2.

Here’s a look at key players, big questions and a wild prediction for the game:

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3 players to watch in Oklahoma State vs. Cincinnati

Offensive lineman Joe Michalski: Cincinnati’s defensive line is stout, led by future NFL draft pick Dontay Corleone. Michalski has the duty of making the right calls up front, and will regularly be tasked with blocking Corleone. Michalski has been a key part of OSU’s offensive line turnaround and will have his hands full Saturday.

Safety Kendal Daniels: As he grows more comfortable with his role at the middle safety position in coordinator Bryan Nardo’s 3-3-5 defense, Daniels is starting to come up with the big plays he has shown he’s capable of. With a takeaway in each of the last two games, he’ll be looking to run that streak to three.

Receiver Jaden Bray: A lot of attention has gone to slot receiver Brennan Presley and the rotating door of receivers at the outside spot where De’Zhaun Stribling, Rashod Owens and Talyn Shettron have been the primary options. Stribling is out for the year and Shettron’s availability is uncertain. So Bray, who mans the outside position on the opposite side of the field, should have more opportunities to add to his team-leading 349 receiving yards.

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2 big questions in Oklahoma State vs. Cincinnati

What will Ollie Gordon II do to follow up his 282-yard performance from last week?: Gordon has been strong against good run defenses in recent weeks, but Cincinnati might be the best of the bunch. The Bearcats are allowing 100.7 yards per game on the ground. Still, Gordon is averaging 176.8 yards per game during Big 12 play after his 282-yard explosion last week. Two weeks ago, Gordon had 116 receiving yards, so that element of his game could be a weapon again on Saturday.

Can the defense shore up its susceptibility to big plays?: Over the last two weeks, OSU has allowed seven touchdowns of 30 yards or more, plus a 32-yard pass that set up a short touchdown last week. The Cowboys have been better at getting off the field rather than getting worked over regularly for long drives, but the big-play issues have to be solved. Cincinnati is a capable offense, ranking 25th nationally in total yards at 444.9 per game.

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1 wild prediction in Oklahoma State vs. Cincinnati

OSU quarterback Alan Bowman throws for 400 yards: Obviously, Cincinnati’s primary goal will be stopping Gordon. And compared to previous opponents, the Bearcats might be better suited to handle that task. Yet their team passing efficiency defense ranks 99th nationally and they’re giving up 242.4 yards per game through the air. Bowman continues to look more settled in his role and with Cincy working to stop the run, Bowman stands to find some open receivers.

–Scott Wright, Staff writer

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football, Ollie Gordon face tough test vs. Cincinnati