Fiesta Bowl 2012: 5 Key Matchups for Oklahoma State vs. Stanford

Now that the rematch is official for the BCS national championship game, No. 3 Oklahoma State will play No. 4 Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2 in Glendale, Ariz.

Most people had this game projected for a while, but the Cowboys' late push to play for the national championship made some people back off of the projection.

Regardless of whether or not you agree with where they go, this matchup is official, so it’s time to break it down. Here are the five key matchups that will determine the 2012 Fiesta Bowl.

Brandon Weeden vs. Andrew Luck

What will dominate the headlines in this game is the matchup between two of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. Andrew Luck is a Heisman hopeful and Brandon Weeden would likely be as well if the Cowboys had beaten Iowa State.

These future pros lead the third- and fifth-ranked scoring offenses so the over-under on this game will likely be through the roof.

Watching these two guys duel it out will be one of the best things to look forward to in all of the bowl season.

OSU’s Running Backs vs. Stanford’s Rush Defense

Joseph Randle has been one of the most underappreciated running backs in the entire country, but he will have his hands full with the Stanford defensive front seven. The unit ranks fifth nationally in rushing yards allowed per game with 90, while Randle is 25th in yards per game with 99.

But don’t forget about Jeremy Smith, who had a monster game against Oklahoma on Saturday. He is now averaging 58 yards per game and an incredible 7.2 yards per carry.

Don’t be surprised if this is the matchup that decides the outcome.

OSU’s Pass Rush vs. Stanford’s Offensive Line

All of the NFL Draft talk surrounding Stanford is about Andrew Luck, but don’t forget about offensive linemen Jonathan Martin and David DeCastro.

Similarly, all of the talk surrounding Oklahoma State is about offense, but it also has to play defense, where it ranks 107th out of 120 teams in yards allowed per game. But one of the things OSU excels at is getting pressure on quarterbacks.

Jamie Blatnick leads the team in sacks and tackles for loss, but the team ranks 30th and 24th in those respective categories nationally. Stanford ranks sixth in sacks allowed per game.

If Luck has time to throw, it could be a long night for Oklahoma State.

Turnover Battle

No team in the country has forced more turnovers than Oklahoma State—only 12 teams have 30 or more turnovers and the Pokes have an incredible 42. Stanford has only lost 15 turnovers all season, which ranks 11th nationally.

Turnovers can completely change the momentum and complexity of a game, especially if it is returned for big yards or a touchdown.

In each of the losses, the Cardinal and Cowboys lost the ball five times as well as the overall turnover battle. If either team gives the ball away that many times, it will undoubtedly loss.

Chase Thomas vs. Oklahoma State’s Offensive Line

Easily the best player this year on Stanford’s defense has been Chase Thomas. He leads the team in sacks and tackles for loss as a linebacker and ranks in the top 18 nationally in each of those categories for individual players.

Oklahoma State has only given up nine sacks all season—which is less than a sack per game—while Thomas has 8.5 by himself. When it’s all said and done, Thomas could be the most important individual player in the game because of his explosiveness.