No. 14 Oklahoma State plays host to No. 12 Utah in a pivotal Big 12 battle Saturday at Boone-Pickens Stadium. The Cowboys had a shaky start against Arkansas in Week 2, but have since blown through their nonconference schedule. Oklahoma State earned a trip to the Big 12 title game on year ago and hopes to make it three times in four years this December.
Utah posted inconsistent showings in nonconference play, including a 23-12 win against Baylor after quarterback Cameron Rising went down with a hand injury. The Utes had to overcome a 14-3 deficit against Utah State, but ultimately pulled away for a 17-point victory.
These two teams have only played once before, and it came during a 1945 season when Oklahoma State later claimed an AFCA national championship. Things will be a little different as the pair meet as conference opponents for the first time. The Utes were picked first in the preseason Big 12 poll, while Oklahoma State was at No. 3.
How to watch Oklahoma State vs. Utah live
Date: Saturday, Sept. 21 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium -- Stillwater, Oklahoma
TV: Fox | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
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Oklahoma State vs. Utah: Need to know
Rising's injury: Utah quarterback Cameron Rising suffered a hand injury in Week 2 and missed the Utes' win over Utah State. He should be healthy for the game against the Cowboys and his presence could make a major difference. Since 2021, Utah is 19-5 when Rising starts and finishes games. In all other games, the Utes are 12-8. Freshman Isaac Wilson is in line to play if Rising can't get back into the lineup and he has thrown four touchdowns to three interceptions so far.
Bottled up: Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II was the best in college football one year ago, but the Cowboys' star has struggled to get things going through three games. Despite toting the rock more than 20 times per game, Gordon has just 216 yards on 3.5 yards per carry. In a 45-10 win over Tulsa, Gordon mustered only 41 yards on 17 carries. Part of the issue is the disproportionate pressure put on the box to stop Gordon, but he's too important a player to have these struggles.
Best on best: Oklahoma State's offense line ranked among the most experienced in college football coming into the year and has blocked the pass well. Utah ranks top 15 nationally with 10 sacks in three games. The two units will face off in a key matchup. Utah defensive end combo Van Fillinger and Connor O'Toole have combined for six sacks already and will provide a serious threat off the edge.
Oklahoma State vs. Utah prediction, picks
The Utes were picked atop the Big 12 standings for a reason and get a chance to flex their muscles with a road trip to Stillwater. Oklahoma State has shown some real vulnerability in run defense and against mobile quarterbacks, creating opportunities for Cameron Rising to attack the edges. If Ollie Gordon II can't get on track, the Utes have a strong pathway to victory. Pick: Utah +130
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah +2.5 | | | | | | | | |
| SU | | | | | | | | |
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