The bad news for Texas fans is that Oklahoma State leads the country in sacks with 30. The good news is that this statistic has not stopped opposing teams from putting up points and yards on a unit that has seen its fair share of struggles. The Cowboys were whipped by Kansas State two weeks ago, and had a poor defensive showing against 3rd string Iowa State QB Brock Purdy in the preceding week. Texas should have plenty of opportunities to pick up chunk yardage, especially if Keaontay Ingram touches the ball 25 times. Let’s take a look at what to expect from the Oklahoma State defense:
Defensive Line
The Cowboys will deploy 4 defensive linemen the majority of the game, with the line being anchored by defensive tackles Trey Carter and Enoch Smith Jr. Smith is in his first year as a full-time starter, while Carter saw significant playing time a season ago and had a solid showing against the Longhorns in Austin. The star of the defensive line is Big 12 sack leader Jordan Brailford, who will give Calvin Anderson all he can handle on the left side.
All 4 starters are seniors, but the experience has not necessarily translated into the type of production that Mike Gundy and new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles hoped for. Outside of Brailford, the Cowboys defensive line has been highly suspect, especially in the run game.
Linebackers
Calvin Bundage and Justin Phillips are the top two tacklers on the Oklahoma State defense, and they do a great job of playing aggressive, which has both benefited and burned them this season. Phillips is considered the leader of the defense and his play backs it up. Both Bundage and Phillips are utilized as blitzers and have the athleticism to cover in space.
Defensive Back
The base defense for the Cowboys will feature 5 defensive backs. AJ Green and Rodarius Williams are the two starting corners, and are often put into tough positions. Remember in previous seasons when Collin Johnson would seemingly disappear against teams who instructed DB’s to get in his face and test his physicality? Johnson has risen to the challenge this season, and will have to do it again on Saturday night.
Two of the three starters at safety are freshmen, and I’m sure the Texas offensive staff is well aware. Kenneth Edison-McGruder is the other starter, and the senior is used aggressively in the run game.
Knowles loves to bring pressure and leave the back end of his defense in one-on-one situations. Sam Ehlinger will need to recognize pressure beforehand, which means Collin Johnson or Lil’ Jordan Humphrey will likely be matched up in single coverage.
