Bedlam Superlatives: What I’m Watching for on Saturday

In case you hadn’t heard, Oklahoma State’s football team has an in-state road game on Saturday. The Pokes are underdogs by a decent margin and there’s not a ton of hope that they will pull off the 2014-like upset from most prognosticators.

The fact that I have the least amount of optimism for this Bedlam as any I can readily remember, gives me a strange sense of calm. Maybe that’s Stockholm syndrome, or maybe it’s an exhaustive knowledge of this rivalry.

But let’s just remember that college football is as fickle as it is fun, and rivalry games add an extra layer of spontaneity. So for the sake of ambition and optimism, I’m going to throw out some superlatives for this weekend’s Bedlam matchup.

Let’s jump in.

Best Player: Justice Hill

I suppose there could be an argument about who could or will make the best player at the next level, or who owns the most natural talent. But the best player on either side of the field is Justice Hill. It’s an indisputable fact in my mind.

His numbers, his affect on games, his importance to his team and overall consistency make Justice my pick. And the best players perform in the biggest games. If OSU would like to stay competitive on Saturday, another big Bedlam from Justice would be a nice start.

Chance to Make a Splash: Malcolm Rodriguez

The native Oklahoman won’t be making his Bedlam debut, he went stat-less on specials during the annual tilt in Stillwater last year. But with the mass exodus of safeties from a year ago, the true sophomore has stepped into a starter’s role nicely, trailing only Justin Phillips in tackles on the team.

May-Rod will be a big part of whatever resistance OSU can provide an elite Sooner offense. And for the sake of storylines, I think in-state players who didn’t get a look from Oklahoma have a little something extra to prove.

Most to Gain: Mike Gundy

I wouldn’t think this applies given Gundy’s nonchalant attitude when discussing the rivalry with the media. But we’ve seen what a Bedlam win can do to a program in a year like this. Gundy beat Bob in ’14, and the contentious pressers and a dissatisfied fanbase gave way to mullet flips, postgame antics, choppers and an annual raise.

I know all of those things were actually fueled by 10-win seasons, but that cold night in Norman was the catalyst. I don’t think the 14th-year CEO is in quite the spot he was in in Year 10 but if the Cowboys miss their first bowl since Year 1, the smoothie well might dry up.

Most to Lose: See Most to Gain

Most to Prove: A.J. Green

At times, A.J. Green has looked like Justin Gilbert-lite. He might even be better in coverage than the first round pick. But at others … he has not. I am not going to trash any cornerback, much less one in the Big 12, for getting beat. It’s a part of the gig.

But through nine games, Green hasn’t developed into the player I thought we would see in Year 3, and his four penalties against Baylor were atrocious. (Two face-mask penalties and an unsportsmanlike flag ?.)

But Green will have ample opportunities to prove himself and make plays with the high-end talent OU boasts at receiver. Crimson wins wash away all sins.

X-Factor: Chuba Hubbard

There’s been a ton of talk about the effect of special teams on the in-state rivalry of late. Tyreek Hill, Justin Gilbert and Jalen Saunders have etched their names in Bedlam lore with memorable returns. Some of my favorite YouTube binges have started with Perrish Cox’s return-6 in 2008.

If there is one man on Oklahoma State’s roster that can muster a game-flipping play, it’s Chuba.

The Cowboys have made an effort to get No. 30 the ball over the last two weeks and he’s paid it off. So whether it’s on special teams, on the ground or in the passing game, Chuba has the ability to affect games in a way that few do. Get him the ball. Let’s see what new Bedlam memories he can make.