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Oklahoma State football: Debating the Cowboys' top priority Saturday against Oklahoma

POINT/COUNTERPOINT — The Oklahoman's OSU coverage team debates Oklahoma State's No. 1 priority in Saturday's Bedlam game at Oklahoma.

By Gina Mizell | Published: November 23, 2012 Comment on this article

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OSU's offense stands as potent as it's been all season, with playmakers aplenty and in multiples – from quarterbacks to receivers to running backs.

The Cowboys are capable in so many ways.

Yet they must do one thing first and foremost: run the football.

The run game was vital a year ago, when OSU routed the Sooners in Stillwater, establishing the Cowboys' dominance up front, with Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith both rushing for more than 100 yards. Brandon Weeden didn't even bother throwing a touchdown pass.

It's more vital this year, on the road, with quarterback Clint Chelf making his first road start. There is no Justin Blackmon in this passing attack, which relies more on balance, which starts on the ground.

The Cowboys should be able to run, as the league's most-feared rushing attack, going against a Sooner defense that ranks No. 87 nationally against the run.

And they must run to win.

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