Oklahoma vs Iowa State football: Five Sooners to watch

Oklahoma has two running backs that could be a big threat to Iowa State’s defense. We’ll examine the one that’s expected to play after dealing with an injury.

More from Football

Also, a look at the Sooners’ best receiver and a defense that likes to sack quarterbacks and pick the ball away from their opponents. Don’t forget to also look at the five Cyclones to watch that was posted earlier this week.

RB Keith Ford (#21, 5-foot-11, 206 lbs., So)

The running back has only played in three games, but he’s expected to be back and could get a bulk of the work if he finds his rhythm. Samaje Perine has done such a good job filling in (667 yards, 10 touchdowns) that the Sooners will have a dual threat at running back, and that won’t be good news if Iowa State struggles to stop the run again.

TE Blake Bell (#10, 6-foot-6, 259 lbs., R-Sr)

He’s dealing with a head injury, but he should be good to go against the Cyclones. He’s fourth on the team in receptions (11) and yards (132) and has two touchdowns.

WR Sterling Shepard (#3, 5-foot-10, 195 lbs., Jr)

The biggest threat at receiver is Shepard. He’s nearly doubled the second-best guy in receptions with 49 catches, has almost broken the 1,000-yard mark (currently sits at 911) and has five touchdowns.

Oct 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners receiver Sterling Shepard (3) in action against theTexas Longhorns during the Red River showdown at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

S Quentin Hayes (#10, 6-foot, 190 lbs., Sr)

A real leader on the defense at safety, Hayes does a little bit of everything. There’s a big drop off in total tackles after linebackers Jordan Evans and Dominique Alexander, but he has recorded 26 solo tackles (more than Alexander), has five tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass deflections, a pick, and two forced fumbles. He truly can do it all and will be a dangerous threat for Iowa State’s passing attack.

LB Eric Striker (#19, 6-foot, 221 lbs., Jr)

A big threat to Sam Richardson (and the entire backfield for ISU) is Striker. He’s lived up to his name by recording a team high 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Notables

QB Trevor Knight – He came in as the Big 12’s second best quarterback, but he’s been outdone by a couple other people under center and he has been slightly disappointing after the big win over Alabama last year. Knight has completed 59 percent of his passes and has thrown 9 touchdowns to 6 interceptions.
CB Zack Sanchez – Another threat to Iowa State’s passing game. He leads the team with an incredible 5 picks and 10 pass deflections after just seven games.

Home/Football