'We're Ready:' OSU Linebacker Says Cowboys Have Unfinished Business Headed Into Big 12 Title Game

After 14th-ranked Creighton had taken down OSU in basketball inside Gallagher-Iba Arena Thursday night, Dave Hunziker and I had a bit of a surprise visitor courtside during the postgame show on radio.

Collin Oliver came by to say, "Hi!" and asked what we thought of what just happened. The Cowboy linebacker has known Creighton guard and former Heritage Hall star Trey Alexander for several years, and his interest in our opinions was genuine.

The conversation quickly turned to football, and the Big 12 title matchup with Texas on Saturday. I asked him about practice this week.

He simply said, "we're ready." He also said there are players (including himself) from the 2021 team who have some unfinished business when it comes to playing for the conference championship. 

It remains to be seen if the last two games, in which the Cowboys rallied from double-digit deficits to win, have taken a lot out of this team. There's also the 38 players from Texas on the roster, several of whom have played a major role in this OSU season, who may find deeper reservoirs of resolve for this weekend. 

Oliver's message was direct. Is that enough to ride with a storybook ending to a strangely satisfying season for the Cowboys and their fans, even before the bowl game?

That remains to be seen.

But Oliver's role Saturday could be big. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is an x-factor. When he plays well, Texas is a very dangerous team.

Oliver's speciality is getting to the QB in critical situations.

It's a matchup worth a close look.