Talent Perspective: Utah Utes vs Oklahoma State Cowboys
Sep 18, 2024, 3:55 PM
SALT LAKE CITY – In this one, we’ll get a better idea of the talent in the showdown between the No. 12 Utah Utes and the No. 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Basing game previews on recruiting rankings doesn’t always provide the most accurate reflection of teams. However, it is still a valuable piece of the puzzle when assessing matchups both individually and amongst position groups.
These two schools are comparable recruiting powers. Each often finishes with a class ranked somewhere in the 30’s. Not only have the two schools recruited well over the years but are also considered very good player development programs.
Utah – Oklahoma State Position Group Talent Averages
The position group talent averages are generated by 247 Sports’ Industry-Generated Composite Ratings for each player. This is a fairly even matchup in terms of talent averages between position groups. Utah has an advantage at most positions but this is a tight matchup from a talent perspective.
|
Utah Utes |
Oklahoma State Cowboys |
|
|
Quarterback |
0.9274 |
0.8723 |
|
Running back |
0.8857 |
0.8846 |
|
Wide Receiver |
0.8887 |
0.8635 |
|
Tight End |
0.8734 |
0.8610 |
|
Offensive Line |
0.8813 |
0.8558 |
|
Defensive End |
0.8771 |
0.8731 |
|
Defensive Tackle |
0.8704 |
0.8775 |
|
Linebacker |
0.8761 |
0.8755 |
|
Cornerback |
0.8788 |
0.8617 |
|
Safety |
0.8745 |
0.8788 |
|
Overall |
0.8786 |
0.8669 |
Top Five Talents
Utah
Lander Barton, LB – .9587; Spencer Fano, OT – .9564; Caleb Lomu, OT – .9458; Van Fillinger, DE – .9276; Cameron Rising, QB – .9096
Oklahoma State
Kendal Daniels, LB – .9578; Talyn Shettron, WR – .9505; Ollie Gordon, RB – .9125; Collin Clay, DT – .9021; DeSean Brown, DE – .8878
Intriguing Talent Matchups
Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon vs Utah LB Lander Barton
The biggest point of focus for the Utes defense this weekend is likely limiting Gordon as much as they can on the ground. He has been limited to 216 yards and four touchdowns on 62 carries through the first three games. However, Gordon is an obvious game-changing talent. Obviously, it’s not all dependent upon Barton but he is Gordon’s counterpart in this matchup from a talent perspective. He is also the quarterback of the defense without Karene Reid. Barton will play a big role in Utah’s ability to limit Gordon, which will be a significant factor in the game.
Oklahoma State LB Kendal Daniels vs Utah QB Cam Rising
Not typically the sort of matchup you expect for a quarterback but Daniels is an intriguing piece to the Cowboys defense. He’s a converted safety and has shown impressive ability to make plays around the line of scrimmage this season. He’s a versatile piece, able to play in the middle or off the edge. Daniels will be an important player for Rising to identify given his versatility.
Oklahoma State DL vs Utah OL
The Cowboys utilize a 3-3-5 defensive scheme and like to use three bigger linemen up front. This is a defense that likes to keep secondary defenders over the top of everything while being a bit more aggressive with the front seven. It’s not a blitz-heavy team but it’s aggressive in shooting gaps and creating havoc as quickly as possible. This matchup will test Utah’s offensive line in both the run and pass game. Utah has been solid in both regards but will need their best effort of the season.
Utah Football’s Remaining 2024 Schedule
- Utah Football vs. Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, September 28
- Utah Football @ Arizona State Sun Devils on Friday, October 11
- Utah Football vs. TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday, October 19
- Utah Football @ Houston Cougars on Saturday, October 26
- Utah Football vs. BYU Cougars on Saturday, November, 9
- Utah Football @ Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, November 16
- Utah Football vs. Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, November 23
- Utah Football @ UCF Knights on Friday, November 29
