Iowa State vs. Oklahoma: Latest Spread Info, BCS Impact and Predictions

The No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners will host the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday in an attempt to stay in the hunt for the Big 12 Championship. The Sooners are currently a game behind the Oklahoma State Cowboys, but have a matchup against them looming next week.

Oklahoma can't afford to look past Iowa State, however, as the Cyclones have proven to be an extremely dangerous team. Iowa State has won three consecutive games, including a monumental upset over Oklahoma State last week that may have ended the Cowboys' national championship hopes.

Oklahoma has a tendency to lose games it should win and play down to its opponents. That was twice been the case this season against the likes of Texas Tech and Baylor. The Sooners aren't going to be playing for the national championship with two losses, but they control their own destiny in terms of a BCS bowl berth.

This game has Oklahoma blowout written all over it, with the Sooners looking for redemption and Iowa State possibly suffering a hangover after a major victory. If Oklahoma plays to its potential, then it should win comfortably, but you never know when the Sooners are going to lay an egg.

Where: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla.

When: Saturday, Nov. 26 at 12 p.m. EST

Watch: FX

Listen: KCCQ 105.1 FM (Iowa State) and KRXO 107.7 FM (Oklahoma)

Betting Line: Oklahoma (-28)

Who Might Not Play for Iowa State: WR Albert Gary

After a fantastic performance in an upset victory over Oklahoma State last week, Iowa State sophomore wide receiver Albert Gary is questionable to play against Oklahoma due to some pending legal issues he is dealing with.

It was uncertain whether Gary would play last week as he was charged with robbery, but he was permitted to play after serving an early-season suspension and torched the Cowboys for 109 yards and a touchdown. Gary's availability is once again in question, but the Cyclones could certainly use him if they are going to pull off another major upset.

Who Might Not Play for Oklahoma: DB Javon Harris

Junior safety Javon Harris stepped into a starting role for the Oklahoma Sooners this season, and he has played quite well despite a tough game against Baylor. It isn't yet known if he will be able to play against Iowa State on Saturday, however, as he is currently nursing an ankle injury.

Harris has three interceptions this season and is a cornerstone in the Sooner secondary. The Cyclones were able to move the ball through the air on Oklahoma State last week, and they may be able to do the same against Oklahoma is Harris is forced to sit out.

BCS/Top 25 Implications

At 6-4, Iowa State isn't in the BCS conversation, although the Cyclones have already essentially assured themselves of some type of bowl bid. They could conceivably sneak into the BCS Top 25 with wins over Oklahoma and Kansas State in their final two games, however.

This game is more about the Sooners, though. Oklahoma failed to live up to its lofty expectations, but a Big 12 Championship is still very much in the cards. Should the Sooners win out, then they will be able to salvage a BCS bowl berth out of the season and still consider a success somewhat. A loss to Iowa State would be a deathblow, however.

What They're Saying

In Oklahoma's two losses this season, against Texas Tech a few weeks ago and against Baylor last week, the Sooners were absolutely gashed in the passing game. Many have called for sweeping personnel changes in the secondary, but Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables views it as a learning experience, according to Travis Haney of NewsOK.com.

"

I think human nature is to push the panic button  I've been doing this long enough. Things haven't been perfect for 13 years. We've had our share of obstacles to overcome. The one thing that's been consistent is exactly that, just staying consistent.

Correct the mistakes. Be demanding. Get your players to stay focused. And not change the course.

"

Iowa State Player to Watch: QB Jared Barnett

Freshman quarterback Jared Barnett assumed the starting role a few weeks ago in place of the struggling Steele Jantz. Barnett wasn't particularly impressive to start, but he has looked extremely good over the past couple games, especially against Oklahoma State last week.

Barnett had his best passing day by far as he threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 84 yards on the ground as well. The Sooners' secondary has been soft as of late, so Barnett could be in for another big game as long as he utilizes his mobility to keep the defense honest.

Oklahoma Player to Watch: QB Landry Jones

The Sooners haven't lived up to their advanced billing this season, but none of that can really be blamed on quarterback Landry Jones. While Jones has failed to replicate his numbers from last season, the offense has dealt with plenty of injuries, including one to his main target in wide receiver Ryan Broyles.

Jones has still managed to compile nearly 3,800 yards passing and 28 touchdowns, and he should improve upon those numbers on Saturday. Oklahoma's running game has been compromised by the injury to starting tailback Dominique Whaley, placing much of the burden on Jones' shoulders. If he can handle it, then the Sooners should roll through the Cyclones.

Key Matchup: Jared Barnett vs. Oklahoma Secondary

In two losses this season, the Sooners defense has allowed a mind-boggling 937 passing yards. Outside of that, Oklahoma is barely giving up 200 passing yards per game. That should tell you all you need to know in terms of the key to success for the Sooners.

Iowa State quarterback Jared Barnett normally wouldn't be a troublesome foe, but he systematically destroyed Oklahoma State last week and enters Saturday's game on a roll. If he can keep the momentum going, then the Cyclones have a chance to pull the upset. If Oklahoma's secondary plays like it has in the majority of games this season, though, the Sooners should be fine.

Prediction

Oklahoma 38, Iowa State 17