Fiesta Bowl 2012: Predictions and Spread Info for Stanford vs. Oklahoma State

In what is perhaps the most anticipated BCS bowl game of the year, the Stanford Cardinal will battle the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Fiesta Bowl. 

Sure, people are pumped for the BCS title game of LSU versus Alabama, but we've seen those two teams play. 

The Fiesta Bowl is receiving a ton of hype, and rightfully so. Both Stanford and Oklahoma State have strong offenses with superb stars, which will make for an epic game. 

The Pac-12 is off to an 0-3 start in postseason play, meaning Stanford will try to do well for its conference once again. 

Andrew Luck and Brandon Weeden in a head-to-head matchup should make for a fantastic game, and I know I'm not the only one who can't wait for it to go down. 

With that said, let's dig into some specifics for this postseason showdown. 

When: Monday, Jan. 2 at 8:30 p.m ET 

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3.com 

Key Storyline

Should Oklahoma State have played in the BCS National Championship Game?

The Cowboys feel they were robbed of the title game, but this is there chance to prove their worth. A sound victory over Stanford will cause more chaos in the college football world, but a loss would show the computers got it right. 

This is also likely the final collegiate game for Andrew Luck, who is a sure-fire lock to be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft. All eyes will be on him to see whether or not he delivers on the big stage. 

Spread 

According to Vegasinsider.com, the Cowboys are favored by -3.5. Their offense has been more explosive, plus they've played better teams.

However, I'll take the better quarterback and the better defense, which belongs to Stanford. Oklahoma State is the higher-ranked ranked team and also the favorite, but it's still difficult to call it an upset victory for Stanford.  

Over/Under 

According to Vegasinsider.com, the over/under is set at 74. Fans can expect a big shootout here, and while that total may seem high, both offenses will be on point to ensure the point spread goes over. 

Who Might Not Play for Stanford 

*According to USA Today

TE Zach Ertz (knee): Probable

WR Chris Owusu (concussion): Doubtful 

Who Might Not Play for Oklahoma State 

*According to USA Today

No new injuries to report 

What They're Saying 

While much of the talk about Stanford surrounds Luck, there's one player in particular that will be of grave importance in this game. That player is Cardinal running back Stepfan Taylor, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards this season and scored eight times. 

Stanford head coach David Shaw, who became one of five coaches to reach a BCS bowl in his first season, told Elliott Almond of the San Jose Mercury News that Taylor isn't getting enough respect. 

"He does everything well, everything right," Shaw said. "At some point he will get his just due, but at the same time he doesn't care." 

Luck isn't going to be able to beat the Cowboys on his own, meaning Taylor will have to be on his A-game as well. In last year's bowl game, Taylor stepped up big time, rushing for 114 yards on just 13 carries to help Stanford beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

Look for Taylor to be running wild in this game, simply because he is needed by Stanford just as much as the Cardinal need Luck. 

Gina Mizell covers the Cowboys for The Oklahoman, and she recently tweeted what one of the Stanford coaches had to say about Oklahoma State's top playmaker. 

That is very high praise for the two-time Biletnikoff Award winner. 

Blackmon will be heavily relied upon in this game, and if Stanford finds a way to limiti his production it greatly increases the Cardinal's chances of winning. 

That being said, hardly any team has been able to stop Blackmon all season long. 

Stanford Player to Watch 

If the Cardinal are going to win this game, it will come down to the play of Luck. Sure, other players like Taylor are needed, but ultimately, Stanford is Andrew Luck or bust. 

Since it's likely his last college game, he'll be looking to go out in style to remind NFL scouts and fans why he's the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick. 

Robert Griffin III is garnering a ton of attention for the draft, especially after winning the Heisman Trophy and putting on a stellar performance in the Valero Alamo Bowl. This means Luck needs to shine bright against a putrid Cowboys' defense, or else he may have some doubters. 

Oklahoma State Player to Watch 

Football is a quarterback sport these days, which means the Cowboys player to watch is none other than Brandon Weeden. 

He too needs a great game in front of NFL scouts, especially since the Stanford defense will be one of the best he's seen all year. 

Blackmon is crucial for Oklahoma State's success, but the Cardinal will be keying in on him, meaning Weeden must step up and spread the ball around. If the Cowboys want to win, Weeden cannot falter. 

Key Matchup 

Stanford's pass offense versus the Cowboys' pass defense is what to watch for. Oklahoma State ranks 107th in total defense and 102nd in pass defense, which means Luck shouldn't have much trouble moving the ball down the field. 

However, the Cowboys are second in the country in turnovers, so Luck has to be smart and careful with the ball. 

Any mishaps will lead to more opportunities for Oklahoma State, and that would be bad news for Stanford. 

Prediction 

This is going to be a fantastic game to cap off an excellent day in college football. Expect a back-and-forth shootout game that comes down to the wire. 

I like Stanford to edge out the Cowboys in a close one because its defense is stronger and it has the best quarterback in the country. Luck will not be denied in what should be his final game of the year. 

Stanford 42, Oklahoma State 38