X-Factors to watch in Saturday’s Big 12 Championship Game

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman / USA TODAY Network

In Texas’ first Big 12 Championship appearance since 2018, the Longhorns will look to take down the Oklahoma State Cowboys for a chance to vie for a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Today, our Devon Messinger and Dylan DeRaud name their X-factors to watch out for in the YouTube video above.

If you want to watch their discussion around the potential return of Quinn Ewers in 2024, simply click here.

Messinger’s X-Factors:

Of course, stopping Oklahoma State sophomore running back Ollie Gordon will be a key for the Longhorns on Saturday. However, Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman and the Texas secondary will be the main X-factors in the Big 12 Championship game. Both Bowman, as well as the Longhorns secondary, have been inconsistent this season. Having thrown 11 interceptions to 10 touchdowns this season, Bowman has shown a tendency to be inefficient with the football. Thus, if the Longhorns can sure up the backend of their defense, creating turnovers or eliminating even the threat of the passing game, Ollie Gordon will be forced to run wild against one of the most dominant run defenses in the country.

DeRaud’s X-Factors:

The main emphasis for Texas in game planning for Oklahoma State will be stopping sophomore running back Ollie Gordon. Gordon currently leads the nation in rushing yards and has been a nightmare for opposing defenses. Luckily for the Longhorns, their strength of the defense lies in their run defense, which ranks 5th in the country, allowing only 85 yards per game to their opponents. Thus, for Oklahoma State to pull off the upset, they will need quarterback Alan Bowman to draw some attention from the defense away from Ollie Gordon.

This season, Bowman has struggled with accuracy and turnovers. He currently boasts a statline of a 59.9% completion rate, ten touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. In order to beat Texas, the Cowboys will need to avoid turning the ball over. If Bowman can put together a solid performance, managing the game and capitalizing on what Texas’s secondary gives them, then Oklahoma State has a great chance of spoiling the Longhorns’ Big 12 title hopes and a possible College Football Playoff appearance.