Bedlam: What's at stake?

Norman, Okla. (AP) — Samaje Perine is ready for his Bedlam debut.

Oklahoma's star freshman rumbled for a major-college record 427 yards rushing in his last outing against Kansas.

There may be more where that came from Saturday, when the 18th-ranked Sooners (8-3, 5-3 Big 12) face rival Oklahoma State (5-6, 3-5). Perine, the Big 12's rushing leader, already has broken Adrian Peterson's school record for rushing touchdowns for a freshman, and he has an outside shot at Peterson's major college record for yards rushing by a freshman in a season.

Oklahoma ran for 510 yards against Iowa State on Nov. 1, 384 against Texas Tech on Nov. 15 and 510 against Kansas on Nov. 22. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have allowed 209 yards rushing per game during their five-game losing streak.

By Cliff Brunt, AP Sports Writer. Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Bedlam capsule 

Oklahoma state (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) at No. 18 Oklahoma (8-3, 5-3)

2:30 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

Line: Oklahoma by 20.

Series Record: Oklahoma leads 84-17-7.

What's at stake

Oklahoma already has had a disappointing season based on preseason expectations and can't afford to lose a Bedlam matchup against a reeling Oklahoma State squad. Oklahoma State, which started the season with a close loss to Florida State and was ranked early in the season, needs a win to become bowl eligible for the ninth straight year.

Key matchup

Oklahoma RB Samaje Perine vs. Oklahoma State defensive front. Perine is coming off a major-college record 427-yard rushing effort against Kansas. Oklahoma State is allowing 209.4 yards rushing per game during its five-game losing streak.

Players to watch

Oklahoma: QB Cody Thomas. The freshman will start his third straight game as Trevor Knight remains out with a neck injury. Thomas has struggled with the passing game, especially with WR Sterling Shepard in and out of the lineup. Thomas should have some opportunities down the field as Oklahoma State tries to gang up on Perine.

Oklahoma St.: DT Emmanuel Ogbah. The sophomore is tied for the Big 12 lead with a sack per game. He faces an offense that has allowed a national-low six sacks this season.

Facts & figures

Oklahoma leads the Big 12 with 265.4 yards rushing per game. ... Oklahoma State clinched the Big 12 title in 2011 with a 44-10 blowout of the Sooners in Stillwater. ... Oklahoma State has six blocked kicks this season, including one in each of the last three games. ...The Cowboys last won in Norman in 2001. ... Oklahoma State has allowed a Big 12-leading 35 sacks.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – December 6, 2014 @ 10:45am