Is it Ollie Gordon time for Oklahoma State football vs. Wisconsin in Guaranteed Rate Bowl?
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Oklahoma State has a chance to look to the future while ending its season on a positive note.
Here are three players to watch, two big questions and one wild prediction for the game.
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3 players to watch in OSU vs. Wisconsin
Linebacker Lamont Bishop: The redshirt senior linebacker was likely elevated to a starting role with the departure of leading tackler Mason Cobb to USC in the transfer portal. Bishop has 20 total tackles this season in a reserve role. But he has the talent to make a big difference in the middle of the defense alongside Xavier Benson. Bishop has played in 25 games the past two seasons.
Quarterback Garret Rangel: With Spencer Sanders in the transfer portal, all signs point to Rangel getting his third start this season. The true freshman had an overall strong start at Kansas, completing nearly 68% of his passes and throwing two touchdowns around a trio of interceptions. But he wasn’t as consistent in the regular season finale against West Virginia, though miserable weather conditions did not help. This is a game that could really push Rangel to the forefront of a possible quarterback battle for next season.
Safety Jason Taylor II: It’s unclear if the former Carl Albert star will return for his extra year of eligibility or enter the NFL Draft. So, this could be his final game with the Cowboys. If so, Taylor has had quite a run of making plays and providing steady leadership. And don’t forget his remarkable one-handed catch on an onside kick in last season’s Fiesta Bowl. This could be another game where he makes another tremendous play to end things right.
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2 big questions in OSU vs. Wisconsin
Is it Ollie Gordon time? The true freshman running back was the go-to guy in the loss to West Virginia, rushing for 136 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. With starter Dominic Richardson transferring to Baylor and Sean Tyler arriving from Western Michigan next season, this could be Gordon’s chance to prove he’s the No. 1 option moving forward. It’s a good bet that Gordon gets the bulk of the carries along with Jaden Nixon, who the Cowboys will look to get in space to utilize his speed.
Will the Cowboys’ offensive line end on a strong note? The Cowboys have struggled up front. It’s no secret. Injuries led to some shuffling at times. But perhaps a month away to reset will make a difference. Against a Wisconsin defense that is very stout, OSU’s front will need to have a big day to give Rangel and Co. a chance.
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1 wild prediction in OSU vs. Wisconsin
Brennan Presley will score on offense and special teams. The Cowboys’ versatile slot receiver has not scored in the past five games. So, he's due to find the end zone. And he will do it in grand fashion.
—Jacob Unruh, Staff writer
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State vs. Wisconsin: Ollie Gordon eyes breakout bowl game
