John Hoover: Robert Congel
With two new starters at offensive deal with and expertise like Jared Verse attempting to take down Dillon Gabriel, it’ll be on Congel’s shoulders — not Andrew Raym, who’s sitting out after surgical procedure — to diagnose and talk the safety schemes for the Oklahoma offensive line. It’s not all on Congel to know what the FSU entrance is doing, however the course of begins with him. He’s been round school soccer in College Station and Tucson, and now he’s had two seasons in Norman and one full yr in Jeff Lebby’s scheme. Congel performed 349 snaps this yr, per Pro Football Focus, and his go blocking grade of 69.6 in all probability wants to select up if the OU offense desires any shot at scoring the upset.
Ryan Chapman: Drake Stoops
Down each beginning offensive tackles and heart Andrew Raym, OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel might not have a lot time to function in the pocket on Thursday. Enter Drake Stoops. After confirming he’ll return to the Sooners subsequent yr, Stoops may function Gabriel’s security blanket over the center towards Florida State. Stoops has the potential to hold in and make powerful, contested catches, which can be important in selecting up the powerful yards essential to preserve the chains shifting towards a proficient Seminole protection.
Josh Callaway: David Ugwoegbu
It’s no secret David Ugwoegbu did not have fairly the season he was searching for (which may very well be stated for a lot of gamers on the Oklahoma protection). This is an opportunity for him to finish his season on a excessive be aware and attempt to use that to catapult himself into a greater 2023. The OU protection has its work lower out right here towards the dynamic Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis. Insert Ugwoegbu, who may very well be tremendously impactful in slowing down his skills in the QB run sport. It is not all on Ugwoegbu by any means, but when he may present one in all his higher video games of the yr, it will present a wanted raise to this protection. The Sooners want him to ship a robust efficiency to hope to maintain the Seminoles offense at the very least comparatively in verify. We’ve seen many instances what an enormous bowl sport can do to springboard you into the offseason and the following yr. Ugwoegbu may actually use that with Thursday actually presenting that chance.
Ross Lovelace: Jayden Gibson
Gibson’s title wasn’t referred to as a lot this season. Oklahoma used totally different huge receivers on the exterior and the proficient teen has developed behind the scenes. The expertise is clear, although, as Gibson was a highly-touted recruit and have become a fan favourite with an extended landing catch in the spring sport. With query marks at huge receiver subsequent season, Gibson appears to be in a reasonably intriguing spot. In Oklahoma’s pre-bowl depth chart, he was listed on the two-deep which possible means he’s in line for area time. It’s solely a matter of time earlier than Gibson is making performs on Saturdays in Jeff Lebby’s offense, however the Cheez-It Bowl gives a novel alternative to get began a bit bit early.
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