Oklahoma State vs. Houston: Three Key Players

These three Cowboys need to be productive against the Cougars
Oklahoma State vs. Houston: Three Key Players
Oklahoma State vs. Houston: Three Key Players /

The Oklahoma State Cowboys will hit the road again this Saturday to take on the Houston Cougars at 3 p.m. at Houston.

After a disappointing 45-3 loss to UCF last week, the Cowboys will look to be more productive in all three phases of the game. For OSU to do that, these three players will have to contribute on Saturday.

Ollie Gordon

This one is a must for the Cowboys on Saturday. Gordon is coming off only 25 rushing yards against the Knights, including only 2.1 yards per carry. That game snapped his streak of six straight games with over 100 rushing yards.

Houston comes in ranked 93rd in the country in rushing defense, giving up 165 rushing yards a game this season. If Gordon gets going on Saturday, Oklahoma State will win this game.

Alan Bowman

If Gordon is on a tear, Houston will put extra people in the box to stop the run. That is where Bowman comes into play.

Bowman has to take care of the ball, for he had three interceptions against the Knights, bringing his total to eight interceptions on the season.

When OSU was balanced, Bowman was efficient and cautious with the football. When the offense turns one-dimensional, Bowman struggles to get the offense back to where it was. Bowman will have to be consistent with the football on Saturday if Houston finds a way to stop Gordon and the run.

Cameron Epps

Houston comes into the contest with 12 turnovers, including 10 interceptions from quarterback Donovan Smith.

Smith does come in with 20 touchdowns, but he did have three interceptions in his last game against Cincinnati.

Epps leads Oklahoma State in interceptions, with three this season, including two against Kansas State. If Smith does force some throws, look for Epps to make some big-time plays. 


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Nick Friesen
NICK FRIESEN

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.