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Here are a few things OSU can do to secure a win against Kansas.
It’s been almost two weeks since Oklahoma State took the field against TCU. The Cowboys won 34-27 and their season is back on track. OSU has two games it will be heavily favored in over the next two weeks before ending the season against Oklahoma. Here is what the Cowboys can do to improve to 7-3 and defeat Kansas this weekend.
1. Offensive Consistency
The Oklahoma State offense has consistently started out well, and did so again against TCU. OSU held an early 17-3 advantage before allowing TCU to tie the game at 17 at the half. The offense had lost all momentum and I honestly wasn’t sure if they would be able to put together a decent drive the rest of the game.
The Cowboys scored three times in the second half, but not because of sustained offense. Chuba Hubbard had touchdown runs of 92 and 62 yards. Without those touchdowns, Oklahoma State probably doesn’t win the game. Matt Ammendola kicked a field goal to put the Cowboys up by 10 late in the fourth, but that drive amassed just 23 yards over seven plays.
I would like to see multiple sustained offense drives ending in touchdowns. Oklahoma States opening drive took 10 plays and resulted in 67 yards and a field goal. The offense was able to put together a six play drive resulting in 80 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter.
I understand the greatness of Chuba Hubbard and realize that Oklahoma State had two drives that took three plays total because he housed it. I’m not saying I don’t want to see that happen, it just doesn’t feel sustainable. If he doesn’t have those long touchdown runs, does OSU score a touchdown at all in the second half? The offense is getting better, but I would like to see more of a complete game from everyone not named Chuba Hubbard.
2. Running Backs
This has nothing to do with Chuba Hubbard. I am just wondering why Spencer Sanders was the only other ball carrier against TCU? OU has taken this approach with Kennedy Brooks and Jalen Hurts, but Gundy has mentioned that Hubbard is touching the ball a little too often. I wonder how much OSU could benefit by playing L.D. Brown more. I know Brown hasn’t been super impressive, but he did have a good game against Baylor.
I would like to see one of the backs step up and have four to five solid carries a game. When I say solid, I don’t mean total. I’m talking about five-to-six yard gains. I know Deondrick Glass is waiting in the wings, but Hubbard is likely headed to the NFL. Someone has to step up next year and it would benefit the team if that person did so now.
3. Spencer Sanders and the Wide Receivers
Sanders has been getting better and better each week, as he should be. He only had one turnover against TCU and I won’t hold it against him. It was the kind of interception that Tylan Wallace may have been able to break up. The kind of interception that Mason Rudolph might have thrown a few times back in his day.
Once again though, Sanders faded down the stretch. At least in the passing game, that is. Part of that may have to do with his attempts. He only attempted 15 passes and I believe the majority of those were in the first half. However, aside from the two deep balls to Dillon Stoner, there wasn’t much there. Braydon Johnson caught a pass for 47 yards, Landon Wolf caught two for 10 yards and Jordan McCray caught one for five yards. Sanders had more rushing attempts (19) than passing (15). It’s probably all by design and putting Sanders in the best position to succeed, but having a better passing threat would certainly free up Hubbard more.
I could have nitpicked something to add about the defense but that just isn’t fair. The defense has been on this post so many times over the last two seasons and they have been a big reason why OSU has won its last two games, so I left them off completely.