How Oklahoma State Can Upset Texas For Big 12 Title
Conference championship Saturday is almost here, and it is a big one for Oklahoma State as it takes on the Texas Longhorns at 11 a.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
Texas comes in as the heavy favorite in this game, posting an 11-1 record, with its only loss coming from Oklahoma. The matchup doesn’t favor the Cowboys, but OSU can pull off the upset if they do these three things.
Establish a Running Game
Oklahoma State has been able to do this for the majority of the season, but it has to get a ground game going against Texas.
The Longhorns come in giving up only 85 rushing yards a contest, which is No. 4-ranked in the country. Texas also gives up only 2.93 yards per carry, which is the best in the conference.
Texas comes in with two physical defensive linemen in T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II. Sweat has been a force this season, collecting 40 tackles on the season, including eight tackles for loss.
OSU has the guy to get a rushing attack going in Ollie Gordon. The sophomore running back has been terrific for the Cowboys this season as he leads the nation in rushing yards, including 20 rushing touchdowns on the season.
Gordon’s play has received some recognition, for he was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year on Wednesday. OSU will have to get Gordon going to have a chance of winning on Saturday.
Create Turnovers
The last time OSU played Texas, quarterback Quinn Ewers struggled in the passing game. He had three interceptions on the night, including Kendal Daniels picking Ewers off and sealing the win for the Cowboys.
Ewers comes into this game as a more improved and efficient passer. Ewers has completed 69% of his passes, including 65% of his passes last week against Texas Tech.
Over the last couple of games, Ewers has struggled to take care of the football, throwing two interceptions in his last three games. Cameron Epps and the OSU secondary have to find ways to create problems for Ewers and the Texas offense.
Protect Alan Bowman
Oklahoma State’s offensive line comes into the contest as one of the best units to protect the quarterback, giving up only one sack per game this season.
Texas can pressure the quarterback, collecting 31 sacks this season, including collecting 2.58 sacks per game.
Longhorn defensive linemen Sweat and Ethan Burke have combined for 7.5 of those sacks this season, wreaking havoc on offensive lines. OSU will have to be aware of Sweat and Burke at all times on Saturday.
Want to join the discussion? Like All Pokes on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Cowboys news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
Nick is a sports media student at Oklahoma State University, where he also minors Sports Managment. He has covered OSU softball for 107.7 The Franchise and also covers Oklahoma high school football for Enid News & Eagle.