Five impact players for Oklahoma State-Kansas State
STILLWATER -- It feels like it's been forever since we've had a home game, but it's finally here and we couldn't be more excited! The Cowboys are taking on Kansas State in their Big 12 home opener and this game is set to be a big one.
Kansas State's ranked No. 24 in the country and has one of the best rushing attacks, and best defenses in the country.
In the FBS, the Wildcats rank as the No. 7 overall rushing offense (280 yds), the No. 9 overall total defense (allow 256 yds), No. 2 in passing yards allowed (just 118.7), No. 4 in team passing efficiency defense and No. 13 in scoring defense (12.7 points)
With how these two teams have scored so far this season, I don't think this will be a slow, drag-it-out kind of game. Oklahoma State ranks No. 12 in the FBS in scoring and K-State No. 13.
So, we're going to be looking at five impact players for Oklahoma State that will help turn the tide and help bring the Pokes back to the win column.
Spencer Sanders
We're going to start with the most obvious choice: quarterback Spencer Sanders. Despite a few miscues in the loss last week to Texas, Sanders played well as he finished with 268 passing yards and 109 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
With how well the K-State defense has played to start the year, Sanders can't afford to throw two picks like he did last week. He'll also need some help from the offensive line, but with each passing game, he seems to become more and more comfortable. So, with already having played at home and on the road in a hostile environment to start Big 12 play, Sanders should be ready to go. Plus, he has one of the best receiver groups in all of college football, so that helps.
Chuba Hubbard/Offensive line
We're going with a combo/obvious pick for No. 2. The nation's leading rusher and rushing scorer needs to find a way to pick up some yardage against one of the nation's top defenses. To do that, he's going to need some help from an offensive line that's played better this season than it has in a few seasons.
Chuba may not have a personal best game like he did against Oregon State or Tulsa, but I think he'll clear 100 yards and two scores.
The defensive line
I know, I know, another obvious pick. But in talking with Cameron Murray and Samuela Tuihalamaka earlier this week, the defensive front is ready for a tough challenge.
"Kansas State's O-line is very physical and that's how we have to be in this game and the game plan," said Cameron Murray. "Just taking [what we've learned from Texas] and really come off the ball and sit in our gaps. Using our hands a lot will be key this week."
Coming into this season, we all knew there would be depth issues on the defensive front seven. As the season's wore on, we've seen a few injuries, but the Cowboys should have more prepared help this week than at any point in the season. Samuela Tuihalamaka has really progressed, Israel Antwine came back last week for Texas after missing the first three games due to a personal reason, Brendon Evers was back in action last week after suffering a shoulder injury against McNeese.
We've seen the D-line at this season play very well. Tonight against K-State needs to be another one of those times.
Malcolm Rodriguez
No one outside of the football program really knew how Malcolm Rodriguez would adjust to being moved to safety, but I'd say the experiment has been a success so far.
Through four games, he's recorded 38 total tackles, an even 19 each on solo and assisted stops. With Kansas State's stout offensive line and rushing attack, Rodriguez will need to step his game up tonight. But he's proven time and time again this season that that shouldn't be a problem. I'm predicting he'll lead the defense in tackles.
Tylan Wallace
I know that Texas had Wallace's number last week, but I highly doubt that he'll let that happen two weeks in a row. The 2018 Biletnikoff finalist has had a lot of success this season, and I think that this game won't be any different' He's going to use his strength and body control to haul in at least 150 receiving yards and two scores.
