10 players who could be a hero for OU against Texas

From Marcus Dupree in 1982 to Dede Westbrook in 2016, surprise heroes have emerged at the Cotton Bowl for OU against Texas year after year.

Everyone knows players like Dillon Gabriel and Danny Stutsman will have a big impact on if OU can win on Saturday. But who are the guys who could come out of nowhere to help the Sooners to an upset win? Here are 10 players who could be the surprise hero for OU Saturday at the Cotton Bowl:

Peyton Bowen, safety: This probably wouldn’t be a surprise to OU fans given how well Bowen has played. But the true freshman feels poised to make a big play Saturday, whether it’s on defense or special teams. Of all the young guys who will play on Saturday, Bowen feels the most prepared for the moment. 

Brenen Thompson, wide receiver: It would be storybook if Thompson helped the Sooners beat his former team. Thompson finally had his first action of the season against Iowa State and looks to be a deep threat for OU. His role is only going to increase as the season progresses and maybe Saturday is his coming out party. 

Adepoju, Adebawore, defensive end: The true freshman has been so close to making a big play the past couple of weeks. And his snaps have gone up every week this season. Adebawore feels primed to have a strip sack at some point this season — why not Saturday against the Longhorns?

Gavin Sawchuk, running back: Feels like we’ve been waiting for Sawchuk to take over at running back all season for OU. The Sooners desperately need a playmaker at running back and there’s a feeling Sawchuk can be that guy. Maybe he’ll finally get his chance in the biggest game of the year. 

Kip Lewis, linebacker: Maybe no one has flashed more in limited playing time than Lewis. His role Saturday will be interesting, with Stutsman and Jaren Kanak starting at linebacker. We could see Lewis at linebacker or cheetah, but he’s definitely someone Venables will likely want to have on the field as a playmaker. 

Gavin Freeman, wide receiver: Since his punt return for a touchdown in the season opener, we haven’t seen much of Freeman. But special teams are sure to play a big role this weekend. It would not be surprising if OU tries to get Freeman going both as a returner and a receiver. Freeman will have the ball in his hands at some point Saturday and it could change the game. 

Dasan McCullough, cheetah: McCullough is still settling into his role at cheetah for OU, but it feels like he’s due to make a big play. It also feels like Venables hasn’t totally unleashed him yet as a pass rusher, which is what he’s best at. He’s going to play a lot Saturday and might have the toughest assignment — guarding Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. 

Jackson Arnold, quarterback: We haven’t seen the “Jackson Arnold Package” in two weeks and I don’t think we will see that same version of it Saturday. But I do think we will see Arnold in some fashion. Maybe a trick play or maybe a different version of the previous package, but he throws the ball. I don’t know. But I have a gut feeling offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby will have something up his sleeve for Arnold. 

Gracen Halton, defensive line: Halton has been the best interior pass rusher for OU, along with Jonah Laulu. OU is going to want to get pressure on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. Halton might have the best chance of winning a one-on-one matchup to get to Ewers. A couple of big sacks from Halton could go a long way. 

Zach Schmit, kicker: There is going to come a point Saturday when OU is going to need to make a big kick. Schmit will have to deliver. My confidence in Schmit after the Iowa State game is low. But he could be the difference and an opportunity is going to present itself.