Statistical Preview Of Oklahoma State

Time to take a look at our next opponent, the Oklahoma State Cowboys:

I think everyone already knows about Zac Robinson. He is a very capable dual-threat QB, equally able to hurt you with his arm or his feet. Co-offensive coordinators Gunther Brewer and Joe Wickline use Robinson a lot in their shotgun run game; the zone read is a basis for their offense, and Robinson is very effective rushing the ball for State. This will be different than last weekend, where we didn't have to worry about a mobile QB and could play 10-on-11 on defense; Robinson makes you play 11-on-11.

Just like last season, Keith Toston and Kendall Hunter are the two guys getting it done for the Cowboys on the ground. Toston had 7 carries for 84 yds and 3 TDs against Grambling, as Hunter sat out the game with an injury. I expect Hunter to be healthy and ready to go after a a bye week last week has given him two weeks to heal. Freshman Jeremy Smith had the best debut for an OSU freshman running back ever, gaining 160 yds on only 15 carries against Grambling. He will be someone else to watch for.

All-American Dez Bryant leads their receiving corps, and is their main offensive threat. Finding someone to play opposite Bryant so opposing secondaries can't double-team him all the time has been a chore so far this season. With Bryant sitting out the Grambling game to nurse an injury, Dameron Fooks had 4 receptions for 81 yds and 2 TDs. Josh Cooper, who has 10 receptions for 157 yds and 1 TD on the season is also someone else to watch for.

Offensively, Oklahoma State likes to spread the field to pass and run the ball, trying to keep a balanced attack. They have led the Big 12 in rushing the past few seasons, and they are perfectly happy to beat you to death with their running game. Oklahoma State averages over 200 yds per game rushing, and shutting down their running game will be important for us, if we want to have any chance of winning this game.

Defensively, Oklahoma State is okay, giving up 118 yds per game on the ground and 233 yds per game in the air. They are still learning what to do in Bill Young's system, but Young is a very good coach, and State will get after it. They are aggressive and opportunistic, with 24 tackles for loss on the season so far, and 7 sacks. We need to get Jerrod going early in the passing game, and hope that will open up the running game for Christine Michael and Cyrus Gray. I'm sure Young will load the box to shut down our running game, and try to force us to beat them through the air. After watching the Arkansas game, I'm sure he'll be bringing blitzes frm our left side all night, in an attempt to attack Stephen Barerra; we need to roll Jerrod out and away frm pressure and give him options to run and pass the ball.

Despite a defensive lapse against Houston, Oklahoma State is a very solid team,e specially on offense. They haven't had everything click yet on offense with all of their starters in, but they're going to be ready to play coming off a bye week, especially with this being a conference opener on the road. Our defense will have their work cut out for them, and our offense will be challenged on every play.