Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Houston Cougars: Three Key Matchups
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are 7-3 on the season and 5-2 in Big 12 play. While their recent loss to UCF makes things less secure for the Cowboys, a Big 12 rule clarification benefits them (read more about that here).
With this, the Cowboys winning their final two games is incredibly important. They face the Houston Cougars on the road on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Here are three key matchups as the Cowboys try to get on the right side of the win column against the Cougars.
- Ollie Gordon vs. Houston run defense: This is continually an important factor for the Cowboys. The Cougars are one of the worst scoring defenses in the Big 12, allowing 30.8 points per game.
The way the Cowboys' offense works, Gordon is not only an electric playmaker, but he's a drive finisher. His ability to find his way into the end zone is huge, and if he can put together a big game, the Cowboys will be able to outscore the Cougars.
Through ten games, Gordon leads the nation in rushing. He's likely going to be the biggest factor in this matchup.
- Oklahoma State secondary vs. Houston pass game: Yardage-wise, the Cowboys pass defense is at the bottom of the league. Conveniently, this is where Houston is No. 8 in the league. The Cougars are going to be able to find success in the passing game.
The Cowboys allow an average of 255.4 yards per game through the air, whereas the Cougars gain an average of 247 yards per game through the air. This is going to be an important facet of the game.
The Cowboys' secondary will have to step up in this one if the team wants to protect their Big 12 title hopes.
- Oklahoma State offensive line vs. Houston defensive line: The Cowboys haven't had an offensive line problem yet since they started their win streak, which came to an end against UCF last week. Still, the offensive line has been solid in pass protection this season.
The Cougars have an incredible force on their defensive line in Nelson Ceaser, who leads the Big 12 in sacks and is top three in tackles for loss. He's going to be disruptive if the Cowboys' offensive line isn't ready to go in this one.
Keeping the pocket clean for Alan Bowman alongside giving Gordon readable gaps to run through will be important for the Cowboys' offense to regain rhythm, which they had none of against UCF.
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