Arizona vs. Oklahoma State: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Time and More
The Arizona Wildcats are on the cusp of breaking into the Top 25, while the Oklahoma State Cowboys look to establish themselves as a serious National Championship contender. While Oklahoma State is heavily favored in this matchup, the Cowboys have to know they could be heading into a trap game.
Last week, both teams blew away inferior opponents. This week poses a much bigger threat for both sides. This game could launch Oklahoma State into the Top 5 or force them to plummet out of the Top 15. U of A would be making a huge statement, getting a signature win early and raising the eyebrows of the rest of the Pac-12.
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This is the perfect matchup to kick off what is sure to be another great week of college football.
Where: Boone Pickens Stadium
When: Thursday, September 8th, 8:00 PM EST
Watch: ESPN, ESPN3
Listen: 1290 AM Tucson
Betting Line: Oklahoma State -14 1/2
Key Storyline: Arizona Seeks 2010 Alamo Bowl Redemption over Oklahoma State
The 36-10 2010 Alamo Bowl blowout undoubtedly has Arizona amped up to play Oklahoma State. This time around, they've got an experienced Nick Foles commanding the huddle and could be able to avenge their huge loss last time these two teams met.
The question of who will stop who does not apply here. These are two explosive offenses that will look to out-duel one another in what is sure to be a spectacular shootout. Both teams amassed monster numbers, but will be tested more thoroughly here.
Who Might Not Play For Oklahoma State:
Johnny Thomas, Questionable
Full USA Today Injury Report
Who Might Not Play For Arizona:
Daniel Jenkins, Questionable
Trace Biskin, Doubtful
Jourdon Grandon, Out
Jonathan McKnight, Out for Season
Greg Nwoko, Out for Season
Willie Mobley, Out for Season
Jake Fischer, Out
Adam Hall, Out
Bryson Beirne, Out
BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications:
The winner of this game could be one of the biggest risers in college football this week. Whoever comes away with a victory will see their of stock shoot upwards, while the loser will be sent plummeting downward.
Arizona can kiss their hopes being ranked any time soon goodbye if they lose. For Oklahoma State, they'll be giving up on a National Championship if they are fed an early loss.
What They’re Saying:
“You want to be the best quarterback on the field. Whether that’s throwing the ball 20 times or 50 times or however many yards, it doesn’t matter. I think as a quarterback, at the end of the day, you just look at that W or that L.”
This game features two quarterbacks who could put up some of the best numbers in the nation. It's refreshing to hear that Weeden is more concerned with chalking up a victory than he is about outshining Nick Foles, though that will certainly be a storyline to watch.
“Everybody is going to have to play well in the secondary.” This is a small quote that holds a lot of truth. There's no doubt about it, the Wildcats are going to have their hands full on Thursday. Justin Blackmon alone can take over a game on his own accord. Given the injury to McKnight, the Wildcats face a lot of unneeded adversity heading into a brutal matchup for their secondary
Oklahoma State Player To Watch: Justin Blackmon
Justin Blackmon has a relatively quiet day. A measly 144 yards and no touchdowns has to be disappointing for one of the best players in college football. Kidding, of course. Blackmon never fails to produce and he shows up for big games.
Last season, he had over 100 yards in every game he played in. He even managed to rack up 157 yards and two touchdowns against Prince Amukamara and Nebraska. He wasn't held out of the end zone in one game last year, so rest assured, his streak of no touchdowns ends this week.
Arizona Player To Watch: Nick Foles
Nick Foles is the unquestioned leader of Arizona. A ridiculous 412-yard, five-touchdown performance made for a great start to the season. Arizona likes to air the ball out and the Foles-to-Juron Criner connection could become one of the best in the nation.
Foles isn't going to put up those kinds of numbers against the Cowboys. How will the team react if and when their leader isn't carving up the opposition at will?
Key Matchup: Arizona's Secondary vs. Oklahoma State Wide Receivers
With Jonathan McKnight out for the season with a torn ACL, the Wildcats stand a chance to get torched in what is sure to be an aerial assault from both teams. The Cowboys have stellar receivers. They can't just double cover Blackmon (though that is certainly priority No. 1).
Junior Tracy Moore had a huge breakout game and proved that he has to be accounted for as well. Oklahoma State is impossible to contain through the air, but the Wildcats will have to keep their production to a dull roar if they want any chance of winning this one.
On the Hot Seat: Brandon Weeden
Oklahoma State is going to need more out of their senior quarterback. It's not his production that needs to pick up, as 388 yards and three touchdowns against anyone is impressive, but his three picks against Louisians-Lafayette are concerning.
Weeden is maturing, but he's a senior. He's throwing to one of the most talented receiving corps in the country. He's going to have to make better decisions, as while he's not in danger of seeing the bench, his draft stock and his hopes of winning it all this year could go down the tubes if he fails to live up to expectations.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 44, Arizona 38
Arizona can't beat Oklahoma State in the inevitable shootout that is to come. Both of these teams are offensive juggernauts, but the Cowboys have one of the best players in the country on the field and can punish Arizona on the ground as well.
Arizona is too one dimensional to pick in this game, and their secondary questions are cause for concern. It should be closer than anticipated, but Arizona still comes away with a loss in this one.
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