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OFFENSE
Oklahoma State runs a typical Big 12-style offense that features a no-huddle, shotgun look, but unlike several other conference teams, the Cowboys don’t always hurry the snap. Whether due to inexperience at QB or preference to gain Time of Possession, the OSU offense takes its time from one play to the next. There are situations where the offense runs a true hurry-up - usually when the Cowboys are moving the ball well and are in short yardage or goal line situations.
When the Cowboys line up in shotgun, they are usually in a single-back set featuring three WR’s to the wide side and one on the short side, or two on each side.
(Single back, three and one WRs lined up to each side)
(Single back, two WRs on each side)
Oklahoma State also occasionally lines up with two or three backs in the backfield. The Cowboys run these sets based on yardage situations.
(Two backs)
(Three backs, short yardage)
Until he missed their last game against KSU, the Cowboys’ starting RB throughout the season has been Desmond Roland. Substituting in his absence was Tyreek Hill, who immediately became a feature player both on the ground and through the air. While Tyreek Hill showed some promise as the Cowboys’ RB, the main ball carrier for Oklahoma State has been Roland, who has carried the ball 50 more times than anyone else and has 7 TDs on the ground.
When Hill carries the ball, he uses his speed well and likes to bounce to the outside, but also isn’t afraid to run through the middle of the line. Hill also has very good hands, as he is tied for 2nd on the team with 23 receptions for 249 yards (10.8 yards/catch).
With either RB, the Cowboys utilize the draw play from the shotgun as well as stretch runs to the tackles.
In the passing game, Oklahoma State consistently takes advantage of cushions given to WR’s by throwing quick passes within five yards of the LOS, as well as short WR bubble screens.
Other notes:
- Oklahoma State has an average offense ranked 74th in total yardage (386.4) and 69th in scoring (28.4 ppg).
- Even though they’re considered a rushing team, the Cowboys have a better passing offense in terms of yardage. OSU ranks 62nd in passing (235.1 ypg) and 81st running the football (151.3 ypg).
- The Pokes are balanced in the red zone - the offense has 13 TDs on the ground, and 12 through the air.
- Oklahoma State has done a poor job protecting the QB as the Cowboys rank 102nd in sacks allowed (25 total – 2.78 sacks per game).
- In the last 3 games (all losses – at TCU, vs WVU, and at KSU), the OSU offense has had problems producing their season average in both passing and rushing categories:
Passing: @TCU – 132 yards/0/2; WVU – 242 yards/1; @KSU – 148 yards/0/2
- Oklahoma State struggled even worse in the second half in those losses, being outscored 54-0 overall (TCU – 14-0, WVU – 13-0, KSU – 27-0).
DEFENSE
Oklahoma State shows multiple looks throughout a game, featuring both 3 and 4 down linemen.
(Three down linemen)
(Four down linemen)
Statistically, Oklahoma State has a below average defense, which ranks 84th in total yardage (423.8 yards per game) and 90th in scoring defense (30.2 points per game). The Cowboys like to keep the box stacked with 7 and 8 man fronts, which has helped them to a 42nd ranked defense against the run (141.1 rushing ypg).
Oklahoma State’s defense is very aggressive as they rank 27th in sacks (25), but opponents have been able to take advantage of the aggression through the air as evidenced by the Cowboy defense ranking 112th against the pass, giving up 282.7 ypg.
Oklahoma State’s defense is led by DE Emmanuel Ogbah (#38), who leads the team in sacks (9) and also has 14.5 TFL’s. The Cowboys also favor bringing pressure from the LB’s, as OLB Josh Furman (#14) is second on the team with 5 sacks and 10 TFL’s.
Other Notes:
- The Cowboys’ Red Zone defense is ranked in the bottom half of the nation, as it has surrendered 28 scores in 33 tries (7 rushing TD’s, 9 pass TD’s, 12 FG’s).
- Oklahoma State ranks 104th in turnover margin (-6). The Pokes have only produced 9 turnovers (9 interceptions, 0 fumble recoveries), while giving up 15.
- In the last 3 games (all losses), the Cowboys’ defense played poorly in each game and produced poor statistics both against the run and the pass:
Passing: @TCU – 415 yards/3/1; WVU – 238 yards/2; @KSU – 287 yards/2/1
Special Teams
Oklahoma State is having a good season in many areas of special teams. The Cowboys have done really well in blocking kicks, as they have accounted for 4 blocked FGs (5th) and 2 blocked punts (2nd). They also have a very good punter who averages a net of 40.26 yards per punt (17th overall) which has helped the Cowboys rank 14th in punt return defense (3.62 yards per return).
Oklahoma State has done well returning kicks, averaging 21.88 yards per return with 2 TD’s; however they are average in kick return defense, ranking 53rd allowing 20.25 yards per return with 1 TD.
OSU’s FG kicker, Ben Grogan is accurate, specifically within 40 yards (14/16), but has difficulty on 40+ yard tries (4/7).
MATCHUPS
Texas QB/WR/TE’s v. OSU DB’s:
It’s no secret that Texas’ passing game hasn’t played up to standard in the last three games. Since Swoopes’ standout performance against Iowa State, he has struggled with accuracy in the face of pressure.
Oklahoma State has performed just as poorly defensively against the pass in the last three games, as they have given up an average of 313 yards through the air with 65% completion rate and 7 TD’s, against just 2 interceptions.
Both teams have had their difficulties in regards to the passing game, but while both teams are fairly even, I’ll give the Cowboys a slight edge for two reasons: A) Weather and B ) playing at home.
Advantage:
Texas RB’s v. OSU LB’s:
Unlike the passing game, Texas’ ground attack has performed better recently than they have all season long. Against both Texas Tech and WVU, the Longhorns gained 241 yards (4.7ypc 3 TDs) and 227 yards (5.8ypc 3 TDs) in each respective game. The five star duo of Malcolm Brown and Jonathan Gray have started to impose their will and hit the holes that the O-Line has produced.
Oklahoma State, on the other hand, has issues against the run. In the last three losses, the Pokes are surrendering an average of 202 yards and a total of 7 TDs on the ground.
While Texas has had their issues running the football, the recent performances point toward the Longhorns having the advantage.
Advantage:
Texas OL v. OSU DL:
As previously mentioned, Texas’ offense, particularly their ground game, has performed much better over the last two games than they had throughout the year. The O-Line showed potential recently in opening up holes for the RB’s and protecting the QB in the midst of a heavy rush.
While Oklahoma State has had difficulty stopping the opposition’s offensive attack, the defense has done one thing well, and that is to get to the QB. Over the past three games, the Cowboys have recorded 7 sacks, 4 against WVU alone, which gave the Cowboys a chance to stay in the game.
The Longhorns have improved over the past few games and the O-Line has proven that even playing in a difficult environment, such as the one in Lubbock, is not too big for them to handle. The one area to keep an eye on is the potential injury to Kent Perkins. If that becomes a problem, the Longhorns will need Raulerson to step up and for the entire line to remain healthy all game in freezing temperatures.
Advantage: Even
Texas DB’s v. OSU QB/WR/TE:
Texas has excelled throughout the season against the pass, holding opponents to 184 yards passing per game, and most opposing offenses over 100 yards below their season average. That stat is even more impressive considering the Longhorn secondary has found a way to stay within the top 15 in the nation while facing passing offenses such as Baylor, OU, WVU, and Texas Tech.
Oklahoma State has passed for an average of 235 yards per game (62nd), but they have struggled finding consistency with Daxx Garmon at QB. Specifically, Garmon does not fare well when he’s forced to make checkdowns. The Cowboys’ QB also has difficulty with accuracy, holding on to the ball too long, and has turnover issues (12 interceptions).
The experience of the Texas secondary combined with the inconsistent play of OSU’s QB, should have the Longhorns performing well in this area on Saturday night.
Advantage:
Texas LB’s v. OSU RB’s:
While the Longhorns’ defense ranks in the bottom half of the country in rush yards allowed, it has improved greatly over the second half of the year. Texas currently ranks 85th nationally, giving up 178 rushing yards per game, but that is greatly improved from the beginning of the season when they gave up 248 yards rushing to BYU in week 2 and 217 the next week to UCLA, in losses.
Oklahoma State doesn’t fare much better running the football, as they rank 81st nationally with 151 yards per game. The big concern for the Longhorn defense is containing speedy Tyreek Hill, who is a skilled runner, and catches the ball well out of the backfield.
Both teams are subpar in their respective areas of this matchup and both have playmakers who can make a big play at any given time.
Advantage: Even
Texas DL v. OSU OL:
The Longhorn defensive line got a big shot in the arm last week when Cedric Reed finally played to his potential with 3 sacks, a safety, and a forced fumble. Combined with Malcom Brown and Hassan Ridgeway in the middle, the Texas defensive line is a force for any team to try and run through, and protect the QB against.
Oklahoma State’s O-Line is very similar to WVU’s in that it has difficulty protecting their QB, ranking 102nd in sacks allowed (25 total; 2.78 per game). Their running game also has difficulty maintaining a consistent rushing attack, relying on draws and quick pitches to RBs to gain most of their yards.
Texas should be successful against the Cowboys rushing attack, but will have to contain the outside plays and stay at home on draw plays.
Advantage:
Special Teams:
For much of the season, the Longhorns played poorly in almost all phases of special teams. Inconsistent FG kicking and punting, poor kick coverage and even worse kick returns have affected the scoreboard in many games. Fortunately for Texas, the Longhorns turned the corner last Saturday against WVU, playing consistently in many areas, specifically punt coverage.
Oklahoma State, on the other hand, has played consistent all year on special teams. The Cowboys have a good kicker, an above average punter, a solid kick and punt return unit, and a very good kick/punt block unit that has recorded 6 blocks already on the year (4 kicks, 2 punts).
Texas isn’t running into a special teams juggernaut, but Oklahoma State is good enough that they have the ability to use this area as an advantage.
Advantage:
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