Keys to the Game: Can Texas A&M End Season With Momentum vs. Oklahoma State?

The Texas A&M Aggies have a chance to end a tumultuous season with some momentum vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys

HOUSTON, TX -- The Texas A&M Aggies have a chance to establish some momentum heading into the beginning of the Mike Elko era in College Station when they head to NRG Stadium on Tuesday night to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Texas Bowl.

It will certainly be a challenge for the Aggies, with a high-powered Cowboys offense led by the nation's second-leading rusher Ollie Gordon, facing off against a defense that suffered serious losses to the NFL and the NCAA Transfer Portal. 

The same can be said for the other side of the ball as well, with multiple Aggies leaving College Station after the conclusion of the regular season, including their two best receivers Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith.

That said, the Aggies still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and are two-point favorites heading into the game.

So what do the Aggies have to do to take care of the Cowboys?

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Texas A&M Wins If...

... It slows down Ollie Gordon. 

Gordon is arguably the nation's best running back and is second in the country with 1,614 yards and 20 touchdowns. He is also without a doubt the key to the Cowboys' offensive attack. As the Texas Longhorns showed in the Big 12 title game, if Gordon can be slowed down, the Oklahoma State offense gets into serious trouble. 

Yes, that will be easier said than done with the losses that the Aggies have suffered on the defensive side of the ball. But if they can find a way to minimize Gordon's impact, they should have enough offensive firepower to leave Houston with a win. 

TaxAct Texas Bowl: Can A&M Offense Establish Run Against Oklahoma State?

Oklahoma State Wins If...

... It shows up defensively.

The Cowboys' offense has been perfectly fine all year long since they elected to go with the Ollie Gordon show. Where they have been remarkably suspect is on the other side of the ball, where they field one of the worst defenses in college football, ranking 124th out of 133 FBS teams.

The Aggies will be without Smith and Stewart as mentioned. But, there is still plenty of playmakers for the Aggies on offense, including Jahdae Walker, Noah Thomas, Moose Muhammad, and more. 

If the Cowboys can slow that attack down, they should be in good shape. But if the Aggies are able to do what the majority of teams have been able to do against the Cowboys this season, it could be a long day for Mike Gundy's team.