Stanford vs. Oklahoma State: 3 Biggest X-Factors in Fiesta Bowl

In what looks to be the most exciting bowl game of the season, No. 3 Oklahoma State and their second-ranked offense meets No. 4 Stanford and the seventh-ranked offense nationally.

The points are going to be plentiful in Glendale, Arizona, and here are the three players who will determine who wins the game for third place in the nation. Hint: Andrew Luck is not on the list.

Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

The 28-year-old is one of the oldest quarterbacks in the nation, and uses his maturity to be one of the most cerebral QBs in the country.

He’s in charge of an offense that has been one of the best in recent memory. The team ranked second nationally in scoring at 49.3 points per game, never getting held to less than 30, and averaged 562.8 total yards in the final six.

Weeden should have no problems against a Cardinal pass defense that is susceptible to quarterbacks like Weeden that excel at taking what the defense gives him. As long as he’s making the correct reads and getting the ball out quickly, the Cowboys are more than capable of putting up 45 points.

Limiting the time in the pocket for Weeden will be essential for the Cardinal and will be the biggest factor in the entire game.

Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

The most productive tight end in the nation has been the safety valve for Luck. He caught 32 passes for 648 yards and 10 TDs this past season and needs one last strong game to solidify his status as a first or second round pick in the draft.

The 6'6", 245-pound load is going to be incredibly difficult for the Cowboys linebackers to take down. With his soft hands and solid route running abilities Fleener has the potential to steal the show.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The most explosive player in this game needs one last big performance to ensure a top five selection in the NFL draft.

His combination of size and speed is going to be devastating for the Cardinal secondary. If Blackmon can get into one-on-one situations then Weeden simply has to throw a pretty jump ball…Blackmon will take care of the rest.

If Stanford is able to limit Blackmon’s impact, suddenly the Cowboys aren’t so scary in the red zone.